Stage IV GRAP Imposed Across Delhi-NCR

Authorities in Delhi-NCR have escalated air pollution restrictions to the highest level under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following a sharp deterioration in air quality across the region. The move comes just hours after Stage III measures were enforced earlier in the day.

Immediate Implementation of Severe Measures

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that the GRAP sub-committee had decided to invoke all actions under Stage IV, also referred to as ‘Severe+’ air quality, after pollution levels exceeded critical thresholds. The CAQM statement emphasized:

“Considering the prevailing trend of air quality and to prevent further deterioration, all measures under Stage-IV of the GRAP ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450) are enforced immediately across the NCR.”

These measures are in addition to existing restrictions under Stages I, II, and III.

Government Directives for Offices and Workplaces

Administrative and Government Offices

All administrative secretaries and departmental heads are required to attend office with no more than 50% staff physically present. The remaining workforce must work from home, while heads of departments may summon staff as needed to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential and emergency services.

Private Offices

Private offices in Delhi are instructed to operate at 50% on-site capacity, with the rest working remotely. Staggered work hours are encouraged wherever feasible, and private entities must strictly comply with work-from-home protocols and minimize vehicular commuting.

Exemptions

Certain essential services remain exempt from restrictions, including hospitals, fire services, prisons, public transport, electricity, water, sanitation, municipal services, disaster management, and environmental departments involved in air pollution control.

Air Quality Surge and Current Readings

Delhi re-entered the ‘severe’ category, prompting the reimposition of Stage III curbs earlier. The Air Quality Index (AQI) jumped from 349 on Friday evening to 401 by Saturday morning due to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavorable meteorological conditions.

By 7:00 PM, AQI readings in key areas included:

• Anand Vihar: 488
• Ashok Vihar: 434
• Bawana: 496
• Burari: 457
• Chandni Chowk: 479
• IGI Airport: 394
• Okhla Phase-2: 445

Smog blanketed the capital, reducing visibility and heightening health risks. Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 445, followed closely by Vivek Vihar (444), Jahangirpuri (442), and Anand Vihar (439). Surrounding regions, including Rohini, Ashok Vihar, Narela, Mundka, and Bawana, also reported severe air quality.

Nearby areas in Uttar Pradesh experienced dense smog, with Noida sectors reporting AQI of 448. Visibility declined in cities such as Bulandshahr, Ayodhya, and Mainpuri amid fog and haze.

Health Risks of Severe Air Pollution

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as ‘severe.’ This poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have instructed strict enforcement of GRAP measures to prevent further deterioration.

What Stage IV GRAP Restricts

Construction and Industrial Activity

• Suspension of all construction, demolition, excavation, piling, and structural work
• Halting of stone crushers, brick kilns, hot mix plants, and mining activities
• Ban on industries using coal, furnace oil, or unapproved fuels

Vehicles and Transport

• Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles prohibited, except essential goods carriers
• BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers banned
• Non-essential inter-state diesel buses not compliant with BS-VI, electric, or CNG prohibited

Other Restrictions

• Diesel generator use limited to emergency and essential services
• Open burning of waste or biomass banned
• Activities that increase dust or emissions restricted

What Stage IV GRAP Allows

Essential Services and Infrastructure

• Construction related to metro, railways, airports, highways, defence, healthcare, and sanitation
• Emergency repairs with strict dust control

Transport and Mobility

• Electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI compliant vehicles permitted
• Public transport, including buses and metro services, operational
• Vehicles for persons with disabilities allowed

Education and Offices

• Schools encouraged to switch to online or hybrid classes
• Offices to reduce staff on-site and implement work-from-home policies

Utilities and Emergency Operations

• Power generation units supplying electricity operational
• Diesel generators permitted for hospitals, data centres, telecom services, and emergencies

Conclusion

Delhi-NCR faces unprecedented air pollution levels, prompting strict enforcement of Stage IV GRAP measures. Citizens are urged to minimize outdoor activities, adhere to health advisories, and follow work-from-home and public transport guidelines wherever possible.

About the Author

Sorit Chaudhary

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