GRAP 2 anti-pollution curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as AQI crosses 300

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as the national capital's AQI plunged into the 'very poor' category. At 5 pm, the AQI stood at 325 at 5 pm, according to the CAQM.The latest curbs came a day after an expanded set of winter pollution-control measures came into force on Sunday. These include restrictions on the entry and operation of non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, with exemptions for CNG and electric vehicles and specified categories.The restrictions under GRAP Stage 2 include higher parking charges to discourage the use of private vehicles, a ban on coal and firewood in hotels and restaurants, including for operating tandoors, and tighter regulations on diesel generator sets. Authorities have also been asked to ramp up mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling with dust suppressants to control pollution.In an order, the CAQM said the AQI reading had climbed sharply from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1, before crossing the 300 mark on Monday morning. The commission attributed the deterioration due to unfavourable weather conditions. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category over the next few days, the CAQM said.This is a developing story. It will be updated. - Ends