• Source:JND
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GRAP 3 in Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday imposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR as the air quality remained in the "severe" category on November 15. The restrictions under GRAP 3 will come into force at 8 am and include a ban on construction activities and plying vehicles on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in the city and NCR.

The Delhi government has also enforced several strict rules to control air pollution. The government has banned all non-essential construction and demolition work, among other actions, as the AQI of Delhi has reached the ‘severe’ category. It also announced that physical classes for primary schools will not be held till further orders, but online classes will continue.

What Is GRAP 3? 
GRAP 3 is usually implemented when the air pollution reaches the "severe" category. There is a ban on construction and demolition upon its implementation, and there is an emphasis on public transportation.

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The restrictions under GRAP 3

1. There is a strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition work, with exceptions for projects critical to national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure projects.

2. There is a ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and other parts of NCR like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida.

3. The primary schools are ordered to be closed and the mode of study is online till the GRAP 3 measure is adopted by the national capital. 

4. In order to suppress dust and particulate matter, water sprinkling is increased on major roads. 

5. Increasing public transport services and promoting off-peak travel through differential rates.

6. Restrictions on the use of diesel generator sets for emergency purposes only. 

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GRAP is implemented in the region during the winter season and it is implemented in four stages. Stage I: 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II: 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III: 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV: 'Severe Plus' (AQI above 450). GRAP II was enforced in Delhi in October after the air quality was recorded at over 300. Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that there were two main reasons behind the sudden worsening of the air quality of Delhi: 'Decreased temperature' and 'Decreased wind speed'.