In response to deteriorating air quality, the Centre issued orders on Sunday, January 14, imposing restrictions on non-essential construction activities and the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The decision to restrict non-essential construction and certain vehicle types in Delhi and the NCR followed a substantial increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 10 am and 11 am, reaching 458 and 457, respectively. Unfavorable climatic conditions and local pollution sources prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body, to take action in formulating and implementing measures to reduce air pollution in the region.
The Centre activated GRAP-III measures on December 22, addressing worsening air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas. After observing improved air quality post-New Year, these measures were subsequently revoked.
