GRAP Stage IV Enforced As Severe Air Pollution Chokes Delhi NCR Cities

Delhi[India] December 13: Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced today across Delhi NCR. The decision was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management. The move came after air pollution levels continued to rise. Stage IV is applied when the Air Quality Index crosses 450. This category is marked as severe plus. On Saturday evening the AQI touched 448. Smog covered roads and buildings in many areas. Poor visibility was reported during evening hours. Delhi has faced winter pollution for many years. Low wind speed and vehicle emissions add to the problem every season.

Air Quality Levels Show Worrying Trend

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed dangerous pollution levels. The 24 hour average AQI was recorded. It showed 349 earlier. This falls under the very poor category. Within hours the index moved closer to severe levels. Vehicles were seen moving slowly under thick smog in areas like Dhaula Kuan. People reported eye irritation and breathing trouble. Hospitals often see more patients during such days. Delhi NCR has a history of sharp AQI rise during winter months. Crop residue burning and dust add pressure. Authorities monitor pollution levels every hour during this phase.

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Vehicle Restrictions Tightened Under GRAP IV

GRAP Stage IV brings strict controls on vehicle movement. Entry of trucks into Delhi is stopped. Only trucks carrying essential goods are allowed. Vehicles running on LNG CNG electric power and BS VI diesel are exempted. Light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are not permitted. Exceptions apply only for essential services. These steps aim to reduce road emissions. Transport pollution remains a major cause of poor air quality in Delhi. Similar restrictions were used in earlier years during severe pollution days. Traffic police and local agencies have been asked to ensure strict enforcement.

Construction Ban And Office Work Rules Applied

All construction and demolition activities are banned under GRAP IV. This includes public projects like roads flyovers and pipelines. Dust from construction adds heavily to air pollution. State governments in NCR can stop physical classes for certain school grades. Classes from six to nine and class eleven may shift online. Offices can be allowed to function with fifty percent staff. Remaining employees may work from home. Central government offices can also adopt work from home rules. These steps aim to reduce daily travel and dust generation across the region.

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Emergency Steps Left To State Governments

GRAP IV allows state governments to take further emergency actions. Authorities may close colleges and educational institutions if needed. Non emergency commercial activities can be shut temporarily. Vehicle movement can be regulated using odd even rules. These measures depend on local conditions. Delhi has used such steps during past pollution peaks. Experts say early action helps reduce health risks. Air pollution has remained a long term challenge for the capital. Policy changes and public cooperation are seen as key. GRAP remains the main framework used to manage seasonal pollution in Delhi NCR.