GRAP Stage 4 invoked in Delhi as AQI continues to deteriorate (File)

New Delhi:

A thick layer of smog – a toxic mix of smoke and fog – enveloped Delhi’s National Capital Region (NCR) this morning as the air quality index (AQI) dropped to the ” severe-plus”, forcing the authorities to announce stricter pollution. control measures.

Smog has also affected visibility in the national capital, which various airlines said could delay flight schedules. Visibility in Palam dropped to 150 meters at 7 am.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may lead to slow traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your trip. https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl. Travel safely!

-IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 17, 2024

Watch out for all the flyers!#Fog#FogAlert#DelhiAirportpic.twitter.com/QRx6v26Ral

– Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) November 18, 2024

According to real-time data provided by the System for Air Quality and Weather Research and Forecast (SAFAR), the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 481 at 6 a.m., the worst so far this season. Officials said this was due to “adverse” weather conditions in Delhi-NCR.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, between 51 and 100 satisfactory, between 101 and 200 moderate, between 201 and 300 poor, between 301 and 400 very poor, between 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe and more.

Centre’s air quality committee invoked stricter measures pollution control measures for Delhi NCR under phase 4 of the anti-pollution plan Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am today. This is in addition to the preventive actions announced as part of stages 1, 2 and 3 of the GRAP already in force.

THE GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four air quality stages: Stage 1 for ‘poor’ air quality (AQI ranging from 201 to 300), Stage 2 for ‘very poor’ air quality (AQI from 301 to 400), Stage 3 for “severe” air quality (AQI from 401 to 450) and level 4 for “severe-plus” air quality (AQI greater than 450).

The committee – Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – urged the public, especially children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases, to stay safe the interior.

GRAP 4 in Delhi as air quality deteriorates

Under Grap 4, no trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi except those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will be banned, except electric vehicles, BS-VI CNG and diesel vehicles and those carrying essential items.

Delhi-registered diesel medium and heavy vehicles or old BS-IV vehicles are prohibited, except those for essential services.

In-person classes have been suspended for all except students in grades 10 and 12.

All construction activities, including highways, roads, viaducts, power lines, pipelines and other public projects, have been suspended.

Public and private offices in Delhi-NCR have been recommended to work at 50 per cent capacity, with the rest working from home. Work from home options could also be introduced for central government employees.

State governments could also close colleges, limit non-essential business activities and implement odd-numbered vehicle rules.

About 38% of pollution in the national capital this year is due to stubble burning or farm fires in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi grapples with smog every winter as cold air traps dust, emissions and smoke from illegal farm fires.