Delhi government on Monday lifted the restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, after the Centre withdrew anti-pollution curbs under Stage-III of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.

The decision was taken in a meeting of a sub-committee of GRAP held Monday, January 1, where further review of the air quality scenario in the Delhi-NCR took place.

The sub-committee revoked GRAP Stage III restrictions, observing that, "AQI of Delhi has been progressively improving and has been recorded as 346 at 4:00 PM,?which is about 55 AQI points below the threshold for invoking the GRAP Stage-III actions [Delhi AQI 401-450]?and there is a likelihood of sustaining the improvement in AQI. The forecast by IMD/ IITM also do not indicate any deterioration further and there is a likelihood of the AQI improving while remaining in Very Poor/Poor category in next few days."

What Does Removal Of GRAP Stage III Mean?

The removal of GRAP Stage III means that restrictions imposed on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (4-wheelers) in Delhi are now lifted

People driving BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars can again use their vehicles in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) from now.

with immediate effect until further orders," Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said in a post on X.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked actions under GRAP Stage-III last year on December 22 amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi as the AQI level slipped into the 'Severe' category for several days.

GRAP I and II Restrictions Still On In Delhi

While Stage III restrictions are lifted, the commission said that curbs under Stage-l and Stage-II of GRAP shall continue to remain in effect in entire NCR.

"Actions under Stage-l to Stage-II of the GRAP shall however remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR and agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-l & II of GRAP in order to obviate the implementation of Stage-lll of GITAP actions owing to AQI level further slipping into 'Severe'category [sic]" the notification read.

Under Stage 1 of GRAP, construction and demolition activities are restricted, while dust mitigation measures are taken, using mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads. Open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste is also prohibited

Stage 1 also requires authorities to ensure the use of only approved fuels by NCR industries, including in brick kilns and hot mix plants, and enforce closure in case of violations.

In stage 2, besides the restriction of GRAP Stage 1, traffic police is stationed in vulnerable areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Further, charges for parking are increased to limit private transportation while CNG, electric buses, and metro services are enhanced to promote the usage of public transport.
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