Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, on Sunday, urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the prescribed guidelines, emphasizing that Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in effect to address air pollution in the national capital, as reported by IANS.
On Friday, the sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued an order promptly rescinding the GRAP Stage 4 actions in Delhi and its surrounding areas. This decision, influenced by the current air quality conditions, nullifies the directive initially issued on November 5.
During a press conference on Sunday, Minister Rai clarified that the implementation of GRAP stages 1, 2, and 3 remains in effect, notwithstanding the removal of restrictions associated with GRAP 4, IANS stated.
Rai noted a positive trend in air quality over the preceding two days, observing an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 290. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to established rules for the residents of Delhi and North India.
The minister clarified that, at present, only restrictions on truck entries have been lifted. However, he underscored that BS-II and BS-IV diesel and petrol vehicles are still prohibited from entering the capital.
Interstate buses with these specifications are also barred from entering Delhi.
Rai further announced the rescinding of the ban on specific construction activities. This includes the construction of flyovers, road development, foot overbridges (FOBs), high power tension lines, metro, airport, and other ongoing projects.
Nevertheless, restrictions on activities susceptible to dust pollution, such as piling, digging, drilling, and boring, will continue to be enforced to sustain the observed improvements in air quality, IANS reported.