The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reintroduced&nbsp; the Stage III restrictions under the anti-pollution Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on Thursday (Jan 9). This decision comes after air pollution levels rose just days after the previous restrictions were lifted on 5 January.
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According to the Commission, the measures were reinstated in line with the Supreme Court&rsquo;s directives to impose GRAP restrictions based on air quality trends. The statement from CAQM said, &ldquo;The AQI of Delhi, recorded as 297 on 8th January, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and was recorded at 357 at 4 pm on 9th January due to calm winds and foggy conditions.&rdquo;
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-delhi-records-its-lowest-aqi-in-december-since-2015-8579584">Air Quality Index</a> (AQI) categorises air quality as follows: 0-50 is &lsquo;good,&rsquo; 51-100 &lsquo;satisfactory,&rsquo; 101-200 &lsquo;moderate,&rsquo; 201-300 &lsquo;poor,&rsquo; 301-400 &lsquo;very poor,&rsquo; and 401-500 &lsquo;severe.&rsquo;
<h2>Restrictions under Stage III of GRAP</h2>
The Stage III restrictions include:
A ban on private construction and demolition activities.
Schools up to Class 5 required to adopt a hybrid mode of learning.
Prohibition on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.
Restrictions on non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles.
Additionally, restrictions from Stage I and Stage II of GRAP remain in effect. The CAQM said that authorities would continue to monitor AQI levels across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to assess the need for further action. 
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"Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III," the notice from CAQM added.
The Supreme Court had earlier instructed the CAQM to impose Stage III measures if AQI exceeded 350 and to introduce Stage IV restrictions if air quality worsened beyond 400.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: The Supreme Court had earlier instructed the CAQM to impose Stage III measures if AQI exceeded 350 and to introduce Stage IV restrictions if air quality worsened beyond 400.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reintroduced the Stage III restrictions under the anti-pollution Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on Thursday (Jan 9). This decision comes after air pollution levels rose just days after the previous restrictions were lifted on 5 January. Also read: Los Angeles fire: 2 dead, several 'significantly' injured as Palisades fire spreads across 2,000 acres According to the Commission, the measures were reinstated in line with the Supreme Court’s directives to impose GRAP restrictions based on air quality trends. The statement from CAQM said, “The AQI of Delhi, recorded as 297 on 8th January, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and was recorded at 357 at 4 pm on 9th January due to calm winds and foggy conditions.” Also read: India: Dense fog covers the national capital, mercury dips to 8°C The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorises air quality as follows: 0-50 is ‘good,’ 51-100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 ‘moderate,’ 201-300 ‘poor,’ 301-400 ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 ‘severe.’ Restrictions under Stage III of GRAP The Stage III restrictions include: A ban on private construction and demolition activities. Schools up to Class 5 required to adopt a hybrid mode of learning. Prohibition on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers. Restrictions on non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles. Additionally, restrictions from Stage I and Stage II of GRAP remain in effect. The CAQM said that authorities would continue to monitor AQI levels across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to assess the need for further action. Also read: What led to Tirupati stampede? TTD apologises for ‘unfortunate incident’ "Citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III," the notice from CAQM added. The Supreme Court had earlier instructed the CAQM to impose Stage III measures if AQI exceeded 350 and to introduce Stage IV restrictions if air quality worsened beyond 400. (With inputs from agencies)

GRAP III restrictions reinstated in Delhi-NCR as air quality drops to 'very poor'

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implementation of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR as the air quality in the national capital deteriorates to the “very poor” category. The Air Quality Index was recorded in the city reached 349 at 8 am on Monday, October 21.

“In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR),” the order dated October 21, 2024 read.

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<h2>What does GRAP Stage II mean for the citizens of Delhi?</h2>

Delhi-NCR citizens are urged to follow and adhere to Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures to curb pollution in the city. People are advised to minimise the use of personal vehicles and instead use public transport. The vehicle parking fees will be increased to discourage people from using private transport.

People are also advised to take less congested routes even if slightly longer and replace air filters in automobiles at regular intervals.

Residents are recommended to avoid any construction activities that may generate dust from October to January. Open burning of solid waste and biomass is also advised to be avoided.

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<h2>What instructions are given to authorities under GRAP Stage II?</h2>

Authorities are to carry out mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads every day. Water sprinkling and dust suppressants are to be sprayed on roads at least every alternate day during non-peak hours to control the dust, especially in heavy traffic areas and hotspots.

Proper disposal of the collected dust at designated sites or landfills is to be ensured. Regular inspections are to be done at construction sites to ensure strict enforcement of dust control measures.

Authorities are to ensure focused actions to control air pollution in identified hotspots and take measures to address the causes of each hotspot.

Adequate personnel are to be deployed at intersections and traffic congestion points to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. The frequency of bus and metro services is to be increased. Uninterrupted power supply is to be maintained to avoid the use of generators.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implementation of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR as the air quality in the national capital deteriorates to the “very poor” category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implementation of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR as the air quality in the national capital deteriorates to the “very poor” category. The Air Quality Index was recorded in the city reached 349 at 8 am on Monday, October 21. “In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR),” the order dated October 21, 2024 read. Also read | ‘Complete defiance,’ SC scolds Punjab and Haryana over rising cases of stubble burning What does GRAP Stage II mean for the citizens of Delhi? Delhi-NCR citizens are urged to follow and adhere to Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures to curb pollution in the city. People are advised to minimise the use of personal vehicles and instead use public transport. The vehicle parking fees will be increased to discourage people from using private transport. People are also advised to take less congested routes even if slightly longer and replace air filters in automobiles at regular intervals. Residents are recommended to avoid any construction activities that may generate dust from October to January. Open burning of solid waste and biomass is also advised to be avoided. Also read | E-challans for expired pollution certificates: India's ‘e-detection’ system to combat pollution What instructions are given to authorities under GRAP Stage II? Authorities are to carry out mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads every day. Water sprinkling and dust suppressants are to be sprayed on roads at least every alternate day during non-peak hours to control the dust, especially in heavy traffic areas and hotspots. Proper disposal of the collected dust at designated sites or landfills is to be ensured. Regular inspections are to be done at construction sites to ensure strict enforcement of dust control measures. Authorities are to ensure focused actions to control air pollution in identified hotspots and take measures to address the causes of each hotspot. Adequate personnel are to be deployed at intersections and traffic congestion points to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. The frequency of bus and metro services is to be increased. Uninterrupted power supply is to be maintained to avoid the use of generators. (With inputs from agencies)

GRAP Stage II implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat pollution. What does it mean?

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing relief from high humidity levels on Wednesday (August 7). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Indian national capital.

The minimum temperature in New&nbsp;Delhi was recorded at 26.4 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal for the season, according to the weather department. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 32 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

The humidity level recorded in the city at 8:30 am (local time) was measured at 92 per cent.

The rain has brought relief for the residents of Delhi-NCR with cloudy skies and strong winds. IMD has predicted more rains in the region over the next two days and issued a yellow alert.

In a statement, the weather department of New Delhi has stated "Light to moderate rainfall is very likely to occur... during next 2 hours" in parts of Delhi and nearby regions, including Ghaziabad and Noida.

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The regional weather department&nbsp;took to&nbsp;X and said, "07/08/2024: 16:45 IST; Light to moderate rainfall is very likely to occur at most places of Delhi and NCR (Indirapuram, Noida) during next 2 hours."

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi recorded a "satisfactory" Air Quality Index (AQI) of 60 at 4:00 pm (local time).

<h2>Forecasts for other regions</h2>

Rainfall is expected over Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh during the week. IMD has also predicted light to moderate rainfall along with lightning and thunderstorms in&nbsp;Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir during the week.

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<h2>Monsoon wreaks&nbsp;havoc in several states</h2>

Heavy rains have impacted other regions of India during the last few weeks, resulting in floods&nbsp;in several&nbsp;states including Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala.

In Kerala, landslides due to monsoon rains resulted in over 300 deaths. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed flash floods which claimed at least 13 lives.

A cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir has completely disrupted the Srinagar-Leh national highway, while Uttar Pradesh and New&nbsp;Delhi have also witnessed few deaths due to rain-related incidents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing relief from high humidity levels on Wednesday (August 7). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Indian national capital.

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing relief from high humidity levels on Wednesday (August 7). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Indian national capital. The minimum temperature in New Delhi was recorded at 26.4 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal for the season, according to the weather department. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 32 degrees Celsius. The humidity level recorded in the city at 8:30 am (local time) was measured at 92 per cent. The rain has brought relief for the residents of Delhi-NCR with cloudy skies and strong winds. IMD has predicted more rains in the region over the next two days and issued a yellow alert. In a statement, the weather department of New Delhi has stated "Light to moderate rainfall is very likely to occur... during next 2 hours" in parts of Delhi and nearby regions, including Ghaziabad and Noida. Also read | Wayanad landslides: Over 1,300 rescuers battle aftermath as search operation intensifies The regional weather department took to X and said, "07/08/2024: 16:45 IST; Light to moderate rainfall is very likely to occur at most places of Delhi and NCR (Indirapuram, Noida) during next 2 hours." According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi recorded a "satisfactory" Air Quality Index (AQI) of 60 at 4:00 pm (local time). Forecasts for other regions Rainfall is expected over Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh during the week. IMD has also predicted light to moderate rainfall along with lightning and thunderstorms in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir during the week. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra Monsoon wreaks havoc in several states Heavy rains have impacted other regions of India during the last few weeks, resulting in floods in several states including Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala. In Kerala, landslides due to monsoon rains resulted in over 300 deaths. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed flash floods which claimed at least 13 lives. A cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir has completely disrupted the Srinagar-Leh national highway, while Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi have also witnessed few deaths due to rain-related incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

Monsoon updates: Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR; IMD issues yellow alert

Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals.

Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals. Describing the conditions in one word, Dr Arvind Kumar of Medanta hospital called it a "disaster". The government and related agencies are trying to mitigate the effects by implementing several measures, but the quality of air has gotten worse in the past few days, with experts saying that it might deteriorate further. To discuss the situation in-depth, and understand how it will put a long-term impact on our health, WION spoke to Dr Arvind Kumar, who is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram. The levels of air pollution in Delhi and rest of the north India today are at a disastrous level, Dr Kumar said while speaking to WION in a virtual interaction. Dr Kumar said, "No one can escape the ill effects of pollution. The quality of the air is disastrous and horrible." "Last year, we used the term 'medical emergency', but now the situation has gone worse than a medical emergency," Dr Kumar said. Currently, desperate measures have been put in by the administration to improve the situation, but the air in different parts of the northern Indian region remains toxic. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday (November 6) stood at 339 at 4pm IST. It dropped from 381 a day ago. On Friday, it was 447. When it comes to Air Quality Index (AQI), it is considered "good" between zero and 50, between 51 and 100 is "satisfactory", 101 and 200 is "moderate", 201 and 300 is "poor", 301 and 400 is "very poor", and 401 and 500 is "severe". Massive impact on our health Dr Kumar said that "when you are exposed to such levels, the first impact is on the surface" of your body. Eyes, nose, lips, mouth, throat, skin, hair...these are exposed to the toxic air. Dr Kumar said that people report issues like redness, burning sensation, watering and itchiness in the eyes. He mentioned, itching in the nose, soreness in the throat, metallic taste in the mouth, dry hair, dry skin, rashes in the skin, and itchy skin also happens. Dr Kumar explained that an adult breathes 25,000 times in a day and every time, about 250cc to 350cc of air goes inside, around 10,000 litres in a day. Therefore, with the air we breathe, tonnes of toxins go into our system, and that toxins get deposited inside and they have short as well as long-term effects. Impact of air pollution Immediate impact Dr Kumar said that on the breathing passage, the immediate effect is in the form of swelling in the windpipe, in the lining of the lungs. And when these "toxins get absorbed through the lungs into the blood", they can go everywhere, from the brain to the toe, "causing swelling" everywhere. He said that in such scenarios, there is swelling in the brain, which is why we often get headaches when there's extreme pollution and it causes "hyperexcitability in children". "There's swelling in the heart, there's swelling in the blood vessels... so people are having pre-mature hypertension. A lot of them have high heart rates, which is called tachycardia," Dr Kumar said, adding that people are having different problems in other organs also. Short-term problems Dr Kumar said that people also suffer from short-term effects like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and pneumonia caused in the lungs. "You have all kinds of hyperexcitability, low IQ and other problems caused in the brain. You have pre-mature hypertension, irregular heartbeat, high heartbeat, etc in the heart. And other organs are also affected," he said. Long-term problems He noted that in long term, air pollution leads to "disastrous effects". In the brain, there is a 5%-10% higher incidence of brain attacks in adults. There is a 5%-10% higher incidence of heart attacks in adults. There are also problems occurring like hypertension and a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the lungs. Dr Kumar said that there are diseases like COPD and emphysema. And lung cancer is being reported more and more in non-smokers from polluted areas across the country and also in the global scenario. 'Air pollution leads to deaths' Dr Kumar said that from head to toe, diseases are being reported due to air pollution. Also, disabilities and premature deaths are caused by it. Dr Kumar said that the number of deaths caused by air pollution annually "far exceeds" the number of deaths caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), TB, malaria, HIV and some other diseases combined. However, this major and avoidable cause of death gets little attention from people as well as the government, said the doctor adding that other causes get much more attention just because they are more "visible and direct". The effects of air pollution are invisible and indirect, he said, explaining that there's nothing like "air pollution caused heart attack". "So when a person dies of a heart attack, you will say he/she died of heart attack, but that attack was caused by air pollution, this fact doesn't get highlighted," he said. He said also said that he is trying to highlight the point and inform people that air pollution is the primary cause of a lot of diseases we are dying of today, even though the visible cause is something else. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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