‘No GRAP-3 in Delhi for now’ says environment minister Gopal Rai amid rising AQI

GRAP-III is usually implemented when the AQI reaches the "severe" category, however the environment minister said air quality is expected to improve tomorrow

Published on: Nov 14, 2024, 14:45:48 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai announced n Thursday that the government will not impose the third phase of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) in the national capital, in anticipation of improved air quality tomorrow, reported news agency ANI.

Environment minister of Delhi Gopal Rai has stated that for now GRAP-II will be implemented in the city, anticipating improvements in weather soon (Hindustan Times)

Also Read: Delhi AQI 'severe': Capital turns ‘gas chamber’, residents breathing toxic air plead for help

The decision to hold off on the implementation of GRAP-III was taken during a meeting by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), after predictions of improvement in weather that could lower the AQI index.

GRAP-III is usually carried out when the air pollution reaches the "severe" category. The AQI at 1 pm in the city today, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), was 425.

Also Read: Delhi air pollution: This area in Delhi has an AQI of 1,300 today, claims Swiss monitor

The AQI turned "severe" for the first time this this year on Wednesday, with the CAQM describing the situation as an "episodic event" of “unprecedented extremely dense fog.”

Under the GRAP-III plan, all construction and demolition is banned, public transportation is encouraged and in-person classes up to class 5 may be suspended temporarily.

Also Read: Delhi air pollution: AQI ‘severe’ again; thick smog reduces visibility. Schools to be closed soon?

The government has currently directed all departments to follow the provisions listed under the GRAP-II plan to control pollution in the city.

Addressing a press conference, Gopal Rai said, “ All the schemes of the different departments will be continued according to the GRAP-II. We have again issued instructions to all departments to effectively and strictly follow the provisions given as per GRAP-II so that we would not be in a situation to reach GRAP-III. The government is effectively monitoring the situation.”

The environment minister attributed the “severe” AQI in Delhi over the past two days to two reasons - decreased temperature caused by snowfall in the mountainous regions and decreased wind speed. However, he stated that pollution may ease up in the coming days due to an increase in both these factors.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.