In response to severe air pollution, Delhi-NCR implements GRAP Phase IV, enforces restrictions on trucks, suspends construction activities and mandates work-from-home policies . These actions aim to reduce harmful emissions and protect public health, especially children and the elderly, amid dangerous air quality levels.
GRAP Phase 4, or Graded Response Action Plan Phase 4, corresponds to some of the most stringent measures facing the city of Delhi-NCR in the face of extremely high levels of air pollution. When the AQI crosses 450, it will be classified as “severe plus”. Air quality improvements were a significant factor following the most recent implementation of GRAP Phase 4, where the AQI reached 484 on November 18, 2024.
Important elements of GRAP level IV
The action plan includes eight interventions focusing on pollution control measures:
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- Restrictions on trucks entering Delhi: No trucks other than those carrying essential goods and running on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG or BS-VI diesel will be allowed to enter Delhi. This includes banning the entry of medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi and powered by diesel engines. An exception may be made for such MGVs/HGVs if they are engaged in providing essential services.
- Non-essential vehicles banned: Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are prohibited unless they are electric, CNG or BS-VI vehicles carrying essential commodities.
- Suspension of construction activities: All construction and demolition activities are suspended, including construction activities for public infrastructure such as highways and power lines.
- Work-from-home mandate: National Capital Region offices will operate at 50% capacity while the remaining team will work from home to minimize travel emissions.
- Online classes for students: The ministry will propose online classes for all schools for students from classes VI to IX and class XI while physical classes for students of classes X and XII will be conducted.
- Health warning: Children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors as much as possible because air pollution is harmful to their health.
- State Authorities: State authorities have the authority to impose more stringent emergency measures, including closing schools or banning vehicles with odd-even registration numbers.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: The Commission for Air Quality Management, CAQM, is monitoring air quality in real-time along with advanced forecasts to directly adjust measures over time, as needed .
These measures reflect an emergency response to address severe air pollution in the region, thereby minimizing health risks associated with the same and ultimately improving air quality overall in Delhi-NCR.Also Read | Delhi air pollution: GRAP-IV comes into effect; Full list of what is allowed and what is prohibited
Also read | Air pollution in Delhi hits record high; New restrictions will be implemented in the capital
