The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a surge in pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 386, categorized as “severe,” and is predicted to cross 400 due to dense fog and low temperatures.
Key GRAP-4 Measures:
1. Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities are prohibited, except for critical public projects like hospitals, airports, and railways.
2. Closure of Stone Crushers: Operations of stone crushers and mining activities across NCR have been halted.
3. Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned in Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, except those modified for persons with disabilities.
4. Truck Entry Ban: Non-essential diesel-operated trucks are barred from entering Delhi, though LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are permitted.
5. Goods Vehicles Ban: Diesel-operated light commercial vehicles (LCVs) of BS-IV standards or below are restricted in Delhi unless carrying essential goods or providing critical services.
The CAQM emphasized that such restrictions are part of a systematic effort to curb air pollution during winter, a period marked by worsened air quality due to climatic factors. Stage-IV is the highest alert under GRAP, designed for AQI levels exceeding 450, categorized as “severe plus.”
Authorities urge public cooperation to improve air quality and minimize health risks.
