“Delhi-NCR Activates GRAP Stage 4: Stringent Measures to Combat Severe Air Pollution Crisis”

Amid escalating concerns about the hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken decisive action by implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This move comes as the air quality index (AQI) in the region reached critical levels.

The decision to invoke Stage 4 of the GRAP, which corresponds to ‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi’s AQI exceeding 450), has been made with immediate effect. It builds upon the measures already in place from Stages 1 to 3 and aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the National Capital Region.

The Stage 4 action plan includes an array of stringent measures designed to curb pollution and safeguard public health. The following is an 8-point plan for Stage 4 of the GRAP:

1. Restriction on the entry of truck traffic into Delhi, with exceptions for trucks carrying essential goods and services, as well as LNG/CNG/electric trucks.
2. Prohibition on non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) unless they are electric vehicles (EVs) or run on CNG/BS-VI diesel, except for those carrying essential goods and services.
3. Halt on the operation of diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles registered in Delhi, except for those engaged in the transportation of essential goods and services.
4. Suspension of construction and demolition activities in linear public projects, including highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, and more.
5. Consideration of online classes for students in grades VI-IX and class XI instead of physical classes.
6. Mandate for public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining workforce working from home.
7. The Central Government will decide on permitting employees in Central Government offices to work from home.
8. State Governments are urged to explore emergency measures, including the closure of colleges and educational institutions and the implementation of odd-even vehicle registration number-based restrictions for non-essential commercial activities.

The CAQM has emphasized the importance of vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions, minimizing outdoor activities and staying indoors to protect their well-being.

This robust response aims to address the immediate air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat air pollution in the region.

Sources By Agencies