The CAQM withdraws GRAP Stage 3 curbs across Delhi-NCR. Bans on non-essential construction and BS-III/BS-IV vehicles are revoked, ending WFH mandates. However, the ‘Very Poor’ AQI and severe winter cold demand strict adherence to Stage 1 and 2 measures.
Delhi GRAP III lifted BS4 vehicle construction ban
The residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have received a major dose of relief after enduring weeks of choking smog and stringent anti-pollution measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central body overseeing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), announced the immediate withdrawal of GRAP Stage III restrictions. This significant rollback comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI), while still dangerously high, showed a consistent, marginal improvement from the ‘Severe’ to the ‘Very Poor’ category.
The lifting of these curbs brings immediate benefits to millions of commuters and the local economy. Crucially, the highly disruptive ban on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers across Delhi and adjacent NCR districts has been revoked. Furthermore, the ban on non-essential construction and demolition (C&D) activities, which had halted thousands of projects and impacted countless daily wage workers, is now lifted. The removal of the Stage III curbs also signals the end of mandatory 50% work-from-home arrangements in government and private offices, and the cessation of the hybrid teaching mode in schools up to Class 5.
