Pollution decline due to rain in Delhi-NCR, GRAP-3 restrictions lifted

Continuous light rain in the capital Delhi and surrounding areas has helped in improving the air quality. Due to the ongoing rains for the last few days, a decrease in pollution levels has been recorded. As a result, restrictions in the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in Delhi-NCR have now been lifted.

Relief after rain

GRAP-3 restrictions were lifted on December 27 due to the decline in pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

• Air Quality Index (AQI):
  • Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 324 at 7 pm on December 27.
  • This improvement in AQI is a result of rain and favorable meteorological conditions in the last 24 hours.
• Meteorological Department Forecast:
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have predicted further improvement in air quality in the coming days.

Restrictions on vehicles lifted

The restrictions imposed on BS-IV diesel and BS-III petrol vehicles under GRAP-3 have now been removed.

• These trains can now be used normally in Delhi-NCR.
• Disabled persons were given exemption during this period.

GRAP-1 and GRAP-2 restrictions will continue

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CQM) has maintained the restrictions under Phase 1 and 2 of GRAP to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

• Restrictions under GRAP-3:
  • Ban on non-essential construction and demolition works.
  • Education till class fifth is conducted in hybrid mode.
  • Online education option available to parents and students.
• Other measures to reduce pollution under GRAP-1 and 2 will remain in place.

Effect of rain on pollution

• The rain has helped in settling the particles present in the air, which improved the AQI.
• Residents of Delhi-NCR have got relief due to reduction in air pollution.
• Due to reduced pollution levels, restrictions on public and private vehicles have been removed.