The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Friday lifted the existing ban on construction and demolition activities across the NCR, following an improvement in overall air quality.
The pollution watchdog also lifted the ban on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, and permitted schools to operate fully in physical mode instead of the ‘hybrid mode’ in Delhi and its neighbouring districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
These curbs had been imposed under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of short-term emergency measures to control air pollution. The easing of restrictions will take effect after the respective State governments issue orders to implement them.
In Delhi, the move will also end the 50% work-from-home mandate. Under a standing order issued last year, all government and private offices are required to function with 50% of employees working from home whenever Stage III is enforced. Stages I and II of GRAP remain in force, said an official.
Foul air from Sunday
