GRAP Stage 4 enforced as Delhi-NCR air turns ‘severe+’

Delhi-NCR has entered an air pollution emergency as authorities activated GRAP Stage 4, the strictest level of restrictions.

GRAP Stage 4 comes into force when the Air Quality Index crosses 450.

At this level, air quality is categorised as “Severe+.”

The Commission for Air Quality Management oversees the implementation.

Moreover, these measures build upon restrictions under Stages 1, 2, and 3.

The objective is clear. Authorities aim to prevent further deterioration during extreme pollution episodes.

Complete halt on construction activities

• All construction and demolition activities across the NCR have been stopped.
• This includes highways, flyovers, power transmission lines, and pipeline projects.
• Both public and private construction sites must shut down operations.
• However, minor indoor repair work may continue under strict dust-control norms.

Strict curbs on vehicle movement

• GRAP Stage 4 imposes heavy restrictions on vehicle movement in Delhi.
• Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi are banned.
  This applies to BS-IV and older vehicles.
• However, vehicles carrying essential goods are exempted.
• Additionally, truck entry into Delhi is largely restricted.
• Only vehicles transporting essential items or providing critical services may enter.
• Meanwhile, LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are permitted.

Schools shift to hybrid learning

• Educational institutions face fresh curbs under GRAP Stage 4.
• Schools will conduct classes up to Class IX and XI in hybrid mode.
• This step aims to reduce student exposure to toxic air.
• The order takes immediate effect across Delhi-NCR.

Work-from-home directive

• Government, municipal, and private offices must reduce on-site attendance.
• Only 50% staff are advised to work from offices.
• The remaining employees should work from home.
• This move seeks to cut daily commuter traffic significantly.

Industrial shutdowns and generator ban

• Authorities have ordered the closure of several polluting industries.
• Stone crushers, brick kilns, hot mix plants, and mining activities must shut.
• The use of diesel generator sets is also prohibited.
• However, emergency and essential services remain exempt.
• These include hospitals, metro services, and railways.

GRAP Stage 4 reflects the gravity of Delhi-NCR’s pollution crisis. Officials have urged strict compliance to protect public health.

Image Credit: Prami.ap90, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Delhi_air_pollution_2019.jpg