GRAP Stage 1 restrictions in Delhi amid ‘poor’ air quality

New Delhi: For the third day in a row, the national capital saw restrictions implemented under the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the air quality remaining in the "poor" category.

The first stage of the GRAP, a collection of anti-pollution measures specific to the winter, focuses on reducing dust at building sites, managing waste properly, and regularly cleaning roads in order to control pollution.

It mandates strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management and emission controls in industries, power plants and brick kilns.

GRAP Stage 1 also bans the open burning of waste, limits the use of diesel generators and prohibits the use of coal or firewood in eateries, PTI reported.

Air quality in Delhi has continued to remain in the 'poor' category, with a reading of 207 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city's AQI dipped to the 'poor' zone after Dussehra.

The minimum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 17.4 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, according to the weather department.

Humidity was at 64 per cent at 8:30 am, the India Meteorological Department said.

The department has predicted cloudy skies for the day, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 35 degrees Celsius.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. 

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