In Short : The CAQM has invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR due to worsening air quality. This includes a ban on truck entry (except for essential services), further construction restrictions, and potential school closures. Authorities urge residents to follow guidelines and minimize outdoor activities to reduce exposure to hazardous air pollution levels.
In Detail : Commission for Air Quality Management Sub-Committee on GRAP has invoked all actions under both Stages III & IV of the revised GRAP in the entire National Capital Region on Wednesday amid worsening air quality.
Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions led to accumulation of pollutants in the region, with the air quality index soaring from 275 on Tuesday to 396 at 6 pm on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted that AQI may breach the 400 mark soon.
According to the Supreme Court verdict on December 15, 2024, “…we must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Stage-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day. Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced…”
What Did CAQM Notice Say?
CAQM on Wednesday issued a notice to declare the change in GRAP measures where they mentioned that the Sub Committee on GRAP has decided to invoke all actions under Stage-III (‘Severe Air Quality of Delhi) & also Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality of Delhi) of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in Delhi-NCR to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and keeping in mind the Supreme Court’s earlier directives. The Stage-I and II actions are already in force.
They also said that the actions under the GRAP schedule shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further.
They requested citizens to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP.
“The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the Air Quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM”, the notice read.
GRAP Stage 4 Measures
Stage 4 curbs include a ban on all construction activities, entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and mandatory shifting of school classes, except for classes 10 and 12, to hybrid mode.
Non-essential diesel trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi, while Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for essential services under Stage 4.
During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages – Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.
