GRAP 4 restrictions reimposed in Delhi as air quality dips to 'severe' category

This comes after the Air Quality Index reached the 400 mark, and dipped into the 'Severe' category.

Earlier in the day, the CAQM imposed GRAP 3 restrictions when the air quality was hovering over 300.

The panel then said that measures in stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented following "highly unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and very low mixing height".

Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index, which was 379 at 4 pm, breached the 400 mark around 10 pm.

"Considering the steep rise in the AQI of Delhi owing to highly unfavourable meteorological conditions and absolute calm wind conditions, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP called for an emergency meeting," the panel said late Monday evening.

"The Sub-Committee decided to impose Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality) of the  GRAP schedule (issued on 13.12.2024) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect," it added.

Meanwhile, schools in Noida will start from 9 am on Tuesday due to severe cold and air pollution.

What GRAP 4 measure mean?

The government can stop the entry of truck traffic into Delhi and ban all construction and demolition activities for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunication etc.

The government can discontinue physical classes, including Classes Vl - lX and Class Xl.
It can also take a call on whether to allow public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.

State governments may consider additional emergency measures like the closure of colleges/educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting the running of vehicles on the odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.

Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors.

Last month the air quality in Delhi and the surrounding areas was consistently in the 'severe' and 'very poor' category, prompting annual health warnings from medical professionals and triggering a rush of cases before the Supreme Court asking for directions to the government.