GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi-NCR: Amid deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), phase 4 measures of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) were implemented from Monday to reduce emissions and fight against pollution. On Sunday at 7 p.m., Delhi recorded an alarming situation. Air quality index (AQI) of 457, placing it in the “severe plus” category.

GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi-NCR: What is allowed

Under Stage 4 of GRAP, amid stringent restrictions to curb severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, here is what remains permitted:

• Essential vehicles: Trucks transporting essential products 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 to enter Delhi.
• Public transport and emergency services: Public transport services, including buses, metro and emergency service vehicles, are allowed to operate 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 the smooth running of businesses.
• Educational institutions: Although schools have been recommended to move to online learning, other institutions such as colleges and universities may continue to offer physical classes, depending on government guidelines.

GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi-NCR: What is not allowed

The Centre’s Air Quality Management Committee (AQIM) has announced a series of bans and restrictions aimed at reducing pollution levels:

• Ban on heavy vehicles: Medium and heavy vehicles running on diesel (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi are prohibited, except 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.
• Restrictions for light commercial vehicles: Non-essential light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are prohibited, except those running on diesel-electric, CNG or BS-VI and carrying essential goods or services.
• Construction projects stopped: Activities related to public infrastructure, including highways, roads, viaducts, electricity transmission and pipelines, are strictly prohibited, extending the measures of Stage 3 of the GRAP.
• Restricted physical classes: The CAQM committee also issued opinions regarding schools and workplaces. All classes in schools, except classes 10 and 11, are now shifted to online learning, Delhi CM Atishi announced. Before the GRAP IV restrictions, the Government of Haryana ordered the temporary closure of all schools up to class 5 on Saturday.
• Work from home: Offices in the NCR have been asked to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home. Public, municipal and private offices can operate at 50% capacity while the Union government can decide work from home arrangements for its employees.
• Other restrictions: State governments may consider additional measures such as closing colleges, suspending non-essential business activities, and implementing vehicle restrictions such as odd schedules.

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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 above 400. AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe”, while readings above 450 fall into the “severe plus” category, posing significant health risks to healthy people and serious consequences for those suffering from existing diseases.

The Center for Air Quality Management’s decision support system noted that vehicle emissions contributed 15.8 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday. Stubble burning in neighboring states was also a major factor, accounting for 25% of the total pollution on Saturday. The main pollutant, PM2.5, is of particular concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks.

Authorities urged residents, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to stay home as much as possible.