Delhi-NCR revokes GRAP-1 restrictions as air quality stays moderate

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revoked stage one curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR, following significant improvement in air quality.

Owing to favourable meteorological conditions, the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 123, in the 'moderate' category on Friday, according to CAQM.

Further, the forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicates that AQI is likely to remain in 'moderate' category in the coming days, an official said.

GRAP-1 restrictions have been in force under an order issued May 19.

With the revocation of GRAP-1, restrictions such as ban on use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, and use of diesel generators only in emergency or essential situations, are removed.

There are four stages under GRAP, each linked to AQI readings. The first stage, GRAP-1, kicks in when AQI is between 201 and 300; the second stage, GRAP-2, is invoked when the AQI is between 301 and 400; GRAP-3 kicks in between 401 and 500; and GRAP-4 is invoked when the AQI is more than 450.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.