New Delhi: As Delhi-NCR’s air quality plunged sharply due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday, according to an official order.
The region experienced calm winds, low temperatures, and heavy fog, which allowed pollutants to accumulate, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) from 275 on Tuesday to a concerning 396 by 6 PM on Wednesday. Meteorological forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict that the AQI might soon breach the “Severe Plus” threshold of 400.
Under the Stage 4 category of GRAP, the following strict curbs have been implemented with immediate effect:
- A ban on all construction and demolition activities in the region.
- Restriction on the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi.
- Schools, except for classes 10 and 12, are directed to shift to hybrid learning modes (online and offline).
- Non-essential diesel trucks and Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles are prohibited from entering Delhi unless for essential services.
This is the first time this winter that GRAP Stage 4 measures have been enforced. GRAP is a four-stage action plan designed to tackle escalating pollution levels in Delhi-NCR:
- Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300)
- Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400)
- Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450)
- Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450)
The implementation of GRAP measures aims to mitigate the hazardous effects of the winter pollution season in Delhi-NCR. This period is notorious for deteriorating air quality due to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighboring states, firecracker usage during festivals, and adverse weather conditions.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, use public transport, and adopt eco-friendly measures to help reduce pollution levels. Meanwhile, experts continue to emphasize the importance of long-term solutions to combat recurring air quality crises in the region.
