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Delhi NCR GRAP Stage III curbs revoke as air quality improves

By Rishabh Chamoli | 2023-01-06

As the average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi NCR shows improvement, the Central Governments air quality panel has lifted curbs implemented under the Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Update Given the improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi NCR, the Centre has directed the authorities to curb restrictions and roll back Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). According to the India Meteorological Department and the India Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the AQI in Delhi NCR is expected to stay in very poor category, that is, between 301 and 400, instead of severe that falls between 401 and 500.

Last month, on December 7, 2022, the sub committee of the Central Governments air quality panel revoked the curbs after the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 304. The restrictions were previously ordered on December 4, 2022, as the AQI dropped to 407 (severe category). These stringent measures were declared on non essential construction and demolition activities under the third stage of the GRAP. Since the air quality will hover in the poor and very poor categories for the next few days hence, construction and demolition activities can be resumed immediately. The CAQM, however, has maintained a strict stand against allowing past violators who had been issued closure notices.

How can a construction ban impact the realty of Delhi NCR?
Presently, over 5.5 lakh residential units are being constructed in Delhi NCR, including Greater Noida West, Yamuna Expressway, New Gurgaon, Noida Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, Central Noida, Greater Faridabad, Raj Nagar Extension in Ghaziabad, Sohna Road, and Golf Course Extension Road. And there are more than 4 lakh units in these areas combined.

According to an industry report, a construction ban due to air pollution could be a serious setback for ongoing projects since residential projects in Delhi NCR typically take 6 to 8 years to complete. Experts opine that banning construction due to poor air quality might have serious consequences. This can delay a project at least three to four months if construction activity is banned for one month.

Does construction ban impact property prices in the region?
According to experts, construction bans have a negligible impact on property prices. The construction ban, however, could delay project delivery. Currently, Greater Noida West has more than 1.3 lakh units under construction, and a construction ban could affect project deliveries in the future.

Furthermore, real estate prices in most cities are not so much determined by environmental concerns as by access, proximity to city centres and major employment centres, urban mobility, and affordability.

Although realty transactions in Delhi NCR have been steadily growing, the constant restrictions may impact project delivery significantly. However, on the brighter side, despite restrictions, housing sales have been strong, and it is hoped that the positive demand continues.