Schools Go Online, Construction Banned: GRAP-4 Measures Enforced In Delhi As Air Quality Worsens

As Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'Severe+' category on Monday, breaching the AQI threshold of 450.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)in Delhi as air quality plunged into the 'Severe+' category on Monday, breaching the AQI threshold 450.

The decision was taken after the AQI, which measured 379 at 4 PM, spiked beyond 400 by 10 PM due to unfavourable weather conditions such as calm winds and low atmospheric mixing.

What Is GRAP Stage-IV?
GRAP, a tiered system to tackle air pollution, categorizes air quality into four stages:

Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300)
Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450)
Stage IV: Severe+ (AQI above 450)
Stage-IV represents the highest alert level, demanding stringent measures to curb pollution.

Measures Enforced

Vehicle Restrictions:

Ban on non-essential truck traffic entering Delhi, except for vehicles carrying essential goods or running on LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI engines.
School Closures:

Schools switched to hybrid learning models for Classes VI-IX and XI across Delhi, NCR, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
In-person classes will continue only for Classes X and XII.

Work-from-Home Directives:

Private and government offices may implement a 50% work-from-home policy.

Construction Ban:

A complete halt on construction projects, including highways, roads, and power transmission infrastructure, to reduce dust pollution.
Health Advisory:

Residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health issues, are advised to stay indoors and minimize outdoor exposure.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi confirmed that online learning and work-from-home policies will remain in effect until further notice. Citizens are urged to reduce personal emissions by limiting vehicle use and adhering to health and safety guidelines.

The CAQM has called for collective action to mitigate this escalating crisis, emphasizing the urgency of controlling emissions during these hazardous conditions.

Speaking to ANI, Bhagat Singh, a local resident, said, "Pollution has become an incurable disease, especially for Delhi. This is a problem every year...Earlier, several people went for a morning walk here but now, a lot of them have quit due to pollution...A willpower by the government is needed to resolve this issue..."