Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP-IV Imposed; Trucks' Entry Banned, Classes May Go Offline

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage IV of GRAP- "Severe+' Air Quality (Delhi's AQI> 450), today with immediate effect in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the preventive/restrictive actions mentioned under Stage-1, Stage-ll and Stage III of GRAP," CAQM said in a statement.

As per the 8-point action plan, there will be a prohibition on the entry of truck traffic into Delhi, excluding trucks transporting essential goods or offering vital services, as well as all LNG, CNG, or electric trucks. Additionally, a restriction will be enforced on the operation of diesel-run Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registered in Delhi, except for those transporting essential commodities or delivering essential services.

GRAP Stage-IV restrictions also include NCR State Govts and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI-IX, and class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.

"NCR State Governments / GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength and the rest to work from home. State Governments may consider additional emergency measures like the closure of colleges/ educational institutions non-emergency and closure commercial of activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc," the 8-point action plan read.

On the other hand, Gopal Rai, the Environment Minister of Delhi, has called a meeting with all relevant departments scheduled for Monday to address the rising pollution concerns and enforce GRAP-4 rigorously.

Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive day, Delhi's air quality lingered in the 'Severe' category on Sunday, although there was a slight decline in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 410 compared to 504 on Saturday, according to the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).

Given that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various parts of Delhi-NCR remains in the 'severe' category, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) requested responses from the Chief Secretaries of the affected states on Friday. They mandated immediate remedial actions and requested a report detailing the actions taken to be presented before the Tribunal.

The NGT emphasized the necessity for prompt measures to prevent and control air pollution in these cities, ensuring improved air quality for the residents.