NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi NCR from 8 am today, after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached to ‘severe plus’ category.
Check Delhi AQI here
This decision was made after an urgent meeting of the GRAP sub-committee on November 17, where they analysed current air quality measurements, meteorological conditions, and forecasts from the IMD and IITM. The sub-committee had previously activated Stage-I, Stage-II, and Stage-III protocols on October 14, October 21, and November 14, respectively.
The air pollution crisis in NCR worsened on Sunday, with Delhi’s average Air Quality Index reaching a critical level of 441 at 4pm, falling in the ‘severe’ category, compared to 419 the previous day.
CPCB data indicates a steady deterioration in air quality throughout the day. Delhi’s AQI rose from 421 at 9am to 468 by 10pm, marking the fourth ‘severe’ day this month. The previous ‘severe plus’ reading occurred on November 13 at 454. The 4pm reading of 441 represents the second-highest measurement this year after January 14’s 447.
In a statement shared on X, Delhi chief minister Atishi announced the suspension of in-person classes for all students except those in Class 10 and 12, effective Monday. Schools will continue instruction through virtual platforms until further notice.
Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai, has scheduled a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat today at 12 noon. The session will involve Heads of Departments from all relevant departments to ensure proper execution of GRAP-IV measures in the capital city.
GRAP-IV measures supplement existing restrictions from stages 1-3. The commission has now withdrawn exemptions for construction activities in public infrastructure projects. The restrictions include prohibiting non-emergency trucks and non-BS 6 compliant light commercial vehicles from entering Delhi, alongside BS-4 and older diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles.
When are GRAP-1, 2, 3, and 4 activated?
- Graded Response Action Plan- I (GRAP-I) is initiated when AQI ranges between 201-300, requiring basic measures including public advisories, dust control, and restrictions on open burning.
- GRAP-II is enforced when AQI reaches 301-400, involving restrictions on diesel generators, enhanced mechanised cleaning, and road water sprinkling.
- GRAP-III is imposed when AQI crosses 400, bans on non-essential construction, limiting heavy vehicle entry, and stopping brick kiln operations.
- GRAP-IV is activated when AQI exceeds 450, requiring complete construction stoppage, school closures, and strict vehicle restrictions including odd-even schemes.
Key restrictions under GRAP-4 in Delhi NCR
- Restrict truck movement into Delhi, permitting only vehicles transporting essential items, providing essential services, and those operating on LNG/CNG/electricity.
- Prohibit non-Delhi registered light commercial vehicles from entering the city, except those running on EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel and carrying essential goods
- Ban on plying of Delhi registered BS-IV and below diesel operated medium goods vehicles (MGV) and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services
- Impose restrictions on Delhi-registered diesel vehicles (BS-IV and below) in both medium and heavy goods categories within city limits, allowing only those involved in essential services or goods transportation
- Suspend construction and demolition work for infrastructure projects including roads, highways, flyovers, bridges, power lines and pipeline installations
- Ban Construction and Destruction activities, as in the GRAP Stage-III, also for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, tele-communication etc.
Measures for public health and school safety
- The NCR State Government and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI – IX, class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.
- NCR State Governments / GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.
- Central Government may take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices.
- State Governments may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/ educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.
- Children, elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.
Authorities predict continued poor air quality due to heavy fog and unfavourable weather conditions. CAQM indicates the likelihood of AQI remaining in the severe/severe+ category. CAQM has advised governments to consider 50% office attendance and implement work-from-home policies.
