National

CAQM Lifts GRAP III Restrictions as City’s Air Quality Index Shows Improvement

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR lifted the prohibitive measures from Stage III of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday, following an improvement in air quality. The Average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the national capital fell below the 300 mark, recorded at 286 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Recognizing the declining trend in AQI levels, the Sub-Committee on GRAP convened a meeting on Monday to assess the regional air pollution situation, taking into account forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

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In its order, the CAQM noted, “Due to improvements in mixing height and ventilation coefficient, along with favorable meteorological conditions for pollutant dispersion, there has been a significant enhancement in Delhi’s AQI.” It further stated, “On 03.02.2025, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 286, which is 64 points below the 350 threshold for implementing Stage III as dictated by the Supreme Court.”

Additionally, the forecast from weather agencies indicated the possibility of light rain/drizzle and favorable wind conditions in the near future. However, the CAQM stressed that measures under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP plan will remain in effect and will be monitored by all relevant agencies across the NCR to ensure AQI levels do not deteriorate.

The sub-committee has instructed all implementing agencies to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly intensifying actions under Stages I and II of the anti-pollution plan.

As a result of this new development, four-wheelers (light motor vehicles) including BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles, previously restricted under GRAP III, are now permitted on the roads. Furthermore, construction and demolition activities that were previously halted under GRAP III can also resume according to the updated anti-pollution schedule.

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National

UP Teen Dies in Street Racing Crash In Lucknow

Published

6 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died in a road accident during a street race in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.

The victim, Naitik Kumar, was riding a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 with a group of bikers near Janeshwar Mishra Park. While racing, he suddenly lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road.

His bike crashed into a Honda Activa in front of him. He then fell onto a road divider and suffered serious head injuries.

The Activa slid across the road and hit another bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which was moving at high speed. The Ninja rider was adjusting his action camera when the accident happened.

Naitik Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Police said he was not wearing proper protective gear.

Two others involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Police are checking CCTV footage to find the exact cause of the crash.

National

BCM Hostel Manager Dies by Suicide

Published

12 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hassan: A hostel manager working under the Backward Classes Welfare Department died by suicide in Channarayapatna of Hassan district.

The deceased has been identified as Lokesh (45). He had been serving as a warden for two hostels in Guddenahalli, Hassan, and was recently promoted as a hostel manager a few days ago. Following the promotion, he was posted as the manager of the BCM hostel in Channarayapatna.

According to reports, Lokesh allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Saturday night.

The exact reason for his suicide is not yet known. Local police visited the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have begun an investigation into the incident.