GRAP-IV Curbs Kick In As Delhi's AQI Turns 'Severe'; CAQM Suggests WFH For Offices, Online Classes

A ban on diesel trucks, construction and work from home for offices are among restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force in Delhi-NCR from Sunday as the air quality index (AQI) clocked in the severe category.

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Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 454 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In the wake of this trend in AQI owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan met today.

Delhi Pollution: Trucks Banned, BS-6 Car Restriction, 50% Staff in Offices | GRAP IV Measures Explained

Commercial four-wheelers, other than EVs/ CNG/ BS-VI diesel, have been banned from entering Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.

In view of the increasing pollution and to strictly implement GRAP-4, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called a meeting of all concerned departments on Monday.

Unfavorable meteorological conditions, very high incidents of farm fires and low speed North-Westerly winds moving the pollutants to Delhi are the major causes for the sudden spike in AQI, the CAQM said in an order.

As per the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM), an 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR.

8-point Action Plan As Per Stage-IV of GRAP

1. Stop entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services and all LNG/ CNG/ electric trucks).
2. Do not permit LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/ CNG/ BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.
3. Ban on plying of Delhi – registered diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.
4. Ban Construction and Demolition activities in linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines etc.
5. NCR State Governments. and Delhi Government may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI–IX, class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.
6. NCR State Governments/Delhi Government to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.
7. Central Government may take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in Central Government offices.
8. State Governments may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/ educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.

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Stay Indoors: CAQM’s Appeal to People

The CAQM appeals to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and said children, elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.