Noida Enforces Construction Ban and Vehicle Restrictions as GRAP Stage-III is Activated

In response to the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Noida Authority has implemented stringent measures, including a ban on construction activities and restrictions on vehicular movement, as Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) comes into force. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced these measures to mitigate the escalating pollution levels.

The restrictions, effective immediately, aim to curb rising pollution levels as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region remains in the "severe" category. On Tuesday, Noida recorded a hazardous AQI of 425, classifying it as "severe" and making it the second most polluted city in India, after Delhi. Greater Noida also recorded an AQI in the 'Severe' category at 406. Residents in Noida and Greater Noida have reported difficulty breathing and irritation in their eyes as the AQI crossed the 400 mark for the first time this season.

Under the GRAP Stage-III regulations, all construction activities in Noida have been halted, with exceptions only for projects related to metro rail, hospitals, and flyovers. The Authority has directed construction agencies to cease all construction work, including the Chilla elevated road, road resurfacing, and digging for laying cables or drainage. Furthermore, the order mandates the closure of all ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, stone crushers, and demolition works until further notice. Transportation of construction materials like cement, sand, and fly ash has also been restricted.

To further control vehicular emissions, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are prohibited from operating in Noida. These restrictions apply to Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. Vehicles used by people with disabilities are exempt. Non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles and inter-state diesel buses not running on CNG, electricity, or BS-VI standards are also barred from entering the capital. Violators may face fines of up to Rs 20,000.

The Noida Authority has urged all residents, institutions, and agencies operating within the city to strictly comply with the guidelines issued under GRAP Stage-III and the directives of the CAQM. "Non-compliance will invite necessary legal action and imposition of penalties as per the rules," the Noida Authority stated.

GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat rising air pollution levels. It is enforced by the CAQM in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. GRAP is activated in stages, ranging from Stage I (Poor) to Stage IV (Severe+), depending on the severity of the AQI. The implementation of Stage III includes actions already enforced under Stages I and II.

The CAQM has also directed state governments in Delhi-NCR to conduct classes in hybrid mode for school students up to Class V. The CAQM has asked the Centre and states to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies.

While these restrictions are in place, essential public projects such as railways, metro construction, airports, defense, sanitation, and healthcare facilities are allowed to continue under strict dust and waste management compliance.

The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the air quality closely and take further decisions based on ongoing assessments and forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The restrictions will remain in place until the air quality index falls below 400 in the national capital.