With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the very poor range, the commission for Air Quality Management (CAQAM) has announced that certain measures from stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will now be implemented under stage 3.
The decision comes after Supreme Court, on November 19, urged the Commission to take proactive steps in consultation with stake holders to prevent further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR. According to the revised protocol, two key stage 4 measures will now apply under GRAP Stage 3:
NCR state government and the GNCTD may allow public, municipal and private offices to operate with 50 % staff strength, with the remaining employees working from home. The central government may also permit work from home arrangements for its employees in Delhi-NCR.
Delhi recorded an overall AQI of 360 on Saturday Morning, with forecasts indicating that pollution levels may worsen. The Ministry of earth sciences' Air Quality Early warning System has predicted that the city's air quality could slip into the "severe quality" and remain between "very poor" and severe for at least six days due to stagnant wind conditions and winter inversion.<>
