Meanwhile, all private and government schools and colleges in Delhi have reopened from today. It may be recalled that the Delhi-led AAP government announced an early winter break in schools from 9th to 18th November amid severe air pollution in the national capital.
New Delhi: In a persistent battle against air pollution, the national capital’s air quality prevails in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the third day in a row. Several areas in Delhi recorded the AQI between 300 to 400 while some areas saw ‘Poor’ air quality, according to Central Pollution Control Board data at 8 am on Monday (November 20). The city’s overall air quality improved from 398 at 7 am yesterday to 301 at 4 pm, however, several localities in the national capital recorded AQIs over 350.
The city witnessed a slight improvement on Saturday as the ‘Severe’ air quality changed to ‘Very Poor’, which has remained in the category since then. Despite the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 measures, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India) reported an overall AQI at 310 around 8:30 am.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data recorded at 7:00 am, specific areas in Delhi witnessed diverse AQI readings. Anand Vihar recorded 364, Alipur at 369, Ashok Vihar at 343, ITO, Delhi at 318, and RK Puram at 346, all falling into the ‘very poor’ category.
Meanwhile, all private and government schools and colleges in Delhi have reopened from today. It may be recalled that the Delhi-led AAP government announced an early winter break in schools from 9th to 18th November amid severe air pollution in the national capital.
GRAP-4 measures revoked
Despite the revoking of Prohibition under GRAP-4 due to improvised air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai stressed the need for continued caution. He requested to citizens to adhere to rules, highlighting that stages 1, 2, and 3 of GRAP remain in effect to combat air pollution in the national capital.
With the air quality showing marginal improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked GRAP-4 ban, allowing the entry of trucks and buses (excluding BS-3 and BS-4 vehicles) and permitting the resumption of construction activities.
Gopal Rai clarified that GRAP-1, GRAP-2, and GRAP-3 restrictions persist. Further relaxation of these restrictions will be considered upon continuous improvement in pollution levels.
Regarding vehicle restrictions, Gopal Rai highlighted the removal of the ban on trucks but specified that it persists for BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles. Linear projects halted under GRAP-4, including roads, flyovers, and foot-over bridges, have been granted permission to resume.
Earlier, Gopal Rai announced the formation of a 6-member special task force led by the Environment Special Secretary to ensure the proper implementation and to keep strict vigil of GRAP rules.
