GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: Amid deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 measures have been implemented starting Monday to curb emissions and combat pollution. By 7 pm on Sunday, Delhi recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 457, placing it in the “severe plus” category.
GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: What Is Allowed
Under GRAP Stage 4, amid the stringent restrictions aimed at curbing severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, here is what remains permitted:
- Essential Vehicles: Trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services can continue to operate. Vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel are allowed entry into Delhi.
- Public Transport and Emergency Services: Public transportation services, including buses, the Metro, and emergency service vehicles, are allowed to function to ensure the mobility of residents.
- Online and Work-From-Home Operations: Offices, both private and municipal, can operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the employees working from home to ensure that businesses continue to function.
- Educational Institutions: While a recommendation has been made for schools to move to online learning, other institutions such as colleges and universities may continue operating with physical classes, depending on government directives.
GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: What Is Not Allowed
The Centre’s Air Quality Management (CAQM) panel announced a series of bans and restrictions aimed at reducing pollution levels:
- Heavy Vehicle Ban: Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi are barred, except for those carrying essential goods. Additionally, trucks carrying non-essential items are prohibited from entering Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.
- Light Commercial Vehicles Restrictions: Non-essential light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are banned, except those running on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel and carrying essential goods or services.
- Construction Projects Halted: Activities for public infrastructure, including highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission, and pipelines, face a strict ban, extending measures from Stage 3 of GRAP.
- Restricted Physical Classes: The CAQM panel also issued advisories affecting schools and workplaces. All classes in schools except for Classes 10 and 11 are shifted to online learning, Delhi CM Atishi announced. Before the GRAP IV restrictions, the Haryana government on Saturday directed the temporary closure of all schools up to Class 5.
- Work-from-Home: Offices in NCR have been urged to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the workforce working from home. Public, municipal, and private offices may operate at 50% strength while the Union government may decide on work-from-home arrangements for its employees.
- Other Restrictions: State Governments can consider additional steps like closing colleges, suspending non-essential commercial activities, and implementing vehicle restrictions, such as odd-even schemes.
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Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that 32 out of 34 monitoring stations in Delhi reported “severe” AQI levels exceeding 400. An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe,” while readings above 450 fall into the “severe plus” category, which poses significant health risks to healthy individuals and severe impacts on those with existing conditions.
The Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management noted that vehicular emissions contributed 15.8% of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday. Stubble burning in neighbouring states was also a major factor, accounting for 25% of total pollution on Saturday. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, is especially concerning due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs, posing severe health risks.
Authorities have urged residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, to remain indoors as much as possible.