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As Delhi’s AQI worsened, the Commission for Air Quality Management issued the order to activate Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Restrictions Under GRAP-IV in Delhi-NCR

• Truck Movement:
  • Banned except for essential goods and trucks using clean fuels (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric).
  • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also banned unless they are CNG or BS-VI diesel or electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel vehicles (medium and heavy goods vehicles) are banned, except for those in essential services.
• Construction Activities:Suspension of all construction work, including public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, etc.
• Schools and Work:
  • Online classes for students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11.
  • Work from home (WFH) recommendations for 50% office capacity in NCR.
  • Central government employees may also be asked to work from home.
  • Offline classes for Classes 10 and 12 continue, but schools for other classes must shift to online mode.
• Other Measures:
  • State governments may impose additional measures such as:
    • Closure of colleges.
    • Odd-even vehicle scheme.
    • Restrictions on non-essential commercial activities.

About GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)

• Purpose: A plan to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region based on AQI levels.
• Approved By: Supreme Court in 2016 (M.C. Mehta v. Union of India).
• Notified by MoEFCC: 2017.
• Implementation Authority: CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management).

Stages of GRAP

GRAP is an incremental system, with measures activated as air quality deteriorates:

• Stage 1: Poor AQI (201-300) – Basic pollution control measures.
• Stage 2: Very Poor AQI (301-400) – Enhanced measures.
• Stage 3: Severe AQI (401-450) – Stricter actions like shutting down industries.
• Stage 4: Severe Plus AQI (Above 450) – Most stringent restrictions, as activated on November 18, 2024.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Introduced: 2014, by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Categories:
  • Good: 0-50
  • Satisfactory: 51-100
  • Moderately Polluted: 101-200
  • Poor: 201-300
  • Very Poor: 301-400
  • Severe: 401-450
  • Severe Plus: 451 and above (current status in Delhi).
• Pollutants Considered: PM10, PM2.5, NO?, SO?, CO, O?, NH?, and Pb.
• Measurement: 24-hour average values for PMs, and 8-hour averages for CO and O?.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• Established: Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) Act, 2021.
• Mandate: To coordinate, research, and manage air quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas.
• Composition: Includes government officials, technical experts, and NGO representatives.
• Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.