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Delhi NCR GRAP Stage III curbs revoke as air quality improves

By Rishabh Chamoli | 2023-01-23

Improved air quality in Delhi NCR prompts the Centres air quality panel to lift bans under the Stage III of the GRAP. The authority has frequently imposed construction bans in Delhi NCR amid rising air pollution levels. CREDAI-NCR also raised concerns on the matter as they impacted migrant workers, and realty and allied sectors.

Update: Delhis air quality improved from severe to poor, which led authorities to immediately revoke bans on private construction, brick kiln operations, stone crushers, and mining activities. When the Air Quality Index reached 400 (very poor) on January 6, 2023, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The severity increased to 434 (severe) in January 9, 2023. However, the AQI has been below 400 since January 11, 2022, and was 213 (poor) on January 15, 2023. Hence, the ban was revocated. According to the early warning system, the AQI will remain low in the days to come.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India NCR (CREDAI NCR) raised concerns over the construction bans in Delhi NCR. The recent ban on January 9, 2023 had not gone down well with the industry body, as the frequent construction restrictions have adversely impacted real estate activities. Migrant workers, who earn daily wages, have also suffered the brunt due to lack of work. Hence, CREDAI NCR approached the Government to lift the restrictions.

What are GRAP and its stages?
The GRAP is a set of measures followed in Delhi NCR to check air pollution levels. It is broadly divided into four stages, depending on the consistent AQI in the region.

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.