ENA State 2024-01-19 16:54:18 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jan 19 (KNN)</strong> The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) withdrew Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the NCR, on Thursday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This decision comes in response to the significant improvement in Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI), which registered at 318 today at 4 PM, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The CAQM Sub-Committee conducted a meeting to review the current air quality scenario, meteorological forecasts, and AQI projections provided by IMD/IITM.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In light of these assessments, the Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi has been progressively improving, recording 316 at 2:00 PM on Thursday, which is 85 AQI points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage-III actions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further, the forecasts from IMD/IITM do not indicate a significant deterioration, with a likelihood of the AQI remaining in the 'Very Poor'/'Poor' category in the next few days.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Considering the disruptive nature of Stage-III restrictions and the significant improvement in Delhi's average AQI, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">However, actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP will remain in effect, to be implemented, intensified, monitored, and reviewed by all concerned agencies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The CAQM Sub-Committee emphasised the need for agencies to strictly implement provisions listed under Stages-I and II of GRAP to prevent the re-imposition of Stage-III restrictions in the future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, the Sub-Committee will closely monitor the air quality scenario and make decisions based on recorded data and forecasts provided by IMD/IITM.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The revised schedule of GRAP can be accessed on the Commission's website: https://caqm.nic.in/</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Commission urges all responsible agencies and citizens to adhere to the provisions and charter of GRAP, contributing to sustained improvements in air quality across the NCR.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36358 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/stage-iii-grap-restrictions-revoked-in-ncr-amid-improved-aqi 2024-01-19 16:54:18 knnindia.co.in