Delhi Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) neared the 'Severe Plus' mark of 450. According to the order released by CAQM, the AQI of Delhi, which was recorded at 431 at 4 pm, showed an increasing trend and rose to 446 at 6 pm due to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters and meteorological conditions and lack of pollutant dispersion.
As the air quality worsened, a thick layer of toxic smog blanketed parts of national capital on Saturday evening, raising serious concerns about public health and deteriorating AQI levels. Visuals from Anand Vihar showed extremely poor visibility, with the AQI at 488, categorised as ‘Severe’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Similar scenes were witnessed around India Gate and Kartavya Path, where the AQI stood at 407, under the severe category.
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Moreover, AQI readings crossed 450 mark in several parts of Delhi, with Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Burari, Wazirpur, ITO, Jahangirpuri, Patparganj, Vivek Vihar among the worst-hit. Delhi has been reeling under poor air quality since October, and despite brief periods of improvement, pollution levels have continued to deteriorate further with the onset of winter.
GRAP 4 imposed, What's allowed and what's not
Invoking the actions under GRAP 4 restrictions, the CAQM said, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of extant GRAP already in force in NCR.”
| Category | Not Allowed | Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles & Traffic | - Trucks without essential goods/services - Non-Delhi registered LCVs (except EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel with essentials) - Older diesel heavy vehicles (BS-IV or below) | - Trucks carrying essential goods/services - Clean fuel vehicles (EV / CNG / BS-VI diesel) - Some personal vehicles (petrol/Electric), subject to compliance |
| Construction & Public Works | - All construction and demolition activities (roads, flyovers, pipelines, bridges) | - Essential repairs may be allowed only with local govt permission |
| Education | - Physical classes for younger students (may be shifted online) | - Online classes - Schools for older students if permitted |
| Workplaces & Offices | - Full office attendance may be restricted | - 50% work-from-home for public/private offices - Essential government services continue |
| Movement & Public Services | - Non-essential large gatherings may be discouraged | - Normal daily movement within the city - Emergency and essential service vehicles exempt |