Pollution curbs eased, GRAP-II, I in place; Here's what's allowed and what is banned

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday revoked GRAP-III in Delhi and neighbouring regions, keeping GRAP-II, I in place to control the pollution levels in the national capital.

The air quality index in the city remained in the 'very poor' category with an AQI of 371, as of 7 am, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As of 7 am, the AQI measured at Anand Vihar is 398, IGI Airport (T3) is 340, Aya Nagar is 360, Lodhi Road is 345, ITO is 380, Chandani Chowk is 315 and Punjabi Bagh is 386.

The Central government's air quality monitoring panel on Tuesday revoked Stage IV ('Severe+') measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following an improvement in air quality.

Here's what it means for the citizens of Delhi:

• The vehicle parking fees will be enhanced to discourage the use of private transport.
• People have been advised to take less congested routes even if slightly longer.
• Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles, urged CAQM.
• Avoid dust-generating construction activities during months of October to January.
• Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.

What are the instructions for authorities?

• Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads.
• Uninterrupted power supply to prevent use of backup generators.
• Take focused action to reduce air pollution in identified hotspots in NCR. Increase measures to address the main sources of poor air quality in each hotspot.
• Sprinkle water and use dust suppressants on roads every other day during off-peak hours to control dust, especially in hotspots and busy areas. Dispose of collected dust at designated sites.
• Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites