GRAP Stage-4 Curbs Imposed In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Drops To ‘Severe’ Level

An aerial view of New Delhi shrouded in smog. (Image: PTI/Shahbaz Khan)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday imposed measures under stage four of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the air quality level crossed 400 mark (Severe) in the national capital and its adjoining areas.

The decision came after the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital plunged to 441 (Severe) at 6 pm today.

“The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 431 today at 4 PM exhibited an increasing trend and has been recorded 441 at 6 PM on date owing to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters and meteorological conditions and lack of dispersal of pollutants,” the CAQM said in its notification.

This is in addition to the actions under Stages I,II, and III of GRAP already in force in NCR, the statement added.

Earlier today, the CAQM invoked curbs under stage three after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.

Stage III restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction, demolition work, stone crushing and mining activities. BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers are also restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

It also entails a ban on older diesel goods vehicles in Delhi, while schools up to Class 5 shift to hybrid mode and offices may operate with 50 per cent staff in Delhi-NCR.

Restrictions Under Stage IV

In Stage IV, even for classes VI–IX and XI, the NCR State Governments and GNCTD may decide to stop holding in-person classes and instead teach online.

During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (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.

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