GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR as AQI rises to ‘severe plus’: What's allowed, what's not

Schools

The "severe" air pollution level in Delhi has triggered the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 anti-pollution measures in Delhi-NCR. The air quality in Delhi worsened further, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 481 by 6 am on Monday morning, placing it in the "severe plus" category.

Thick layer of smog at NH24 near Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.(PTI)

GRAP Stage 4: What is banned in Delhi?

Under GRAP Stage 4, strict restrictions are set to curb emissions:

• Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below) are banned, except those carrying essential goods.

• Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they use cleaner fuels like CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric vehicles.

• Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred from entering Delhi unless they operate on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

• Schools and workplaces face adjustments as well. The CAQM panel recommended shifting classes 6 to 9 and class 11 to online mode.

• Offices in NCR are advised to operate at 50 per cent capacity, with the remaining workforce working from home.

Delhi's AQI readings, derived from 34 out of 40 monitoring stations, show that 32 stations reported "severe" levels above 400, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI of 401 to 450 is considered "severe," while above 450 is "severe plus," posing health risks for healthy individuals and serious impacts for those with pre-existing conditions.

According to the Centre's Decision Support System for Air Quality Management, vehicles contributed 15.8 per cent of Delhi's air pollution on Sunday.

Stubble burning was a significant factor on Saturday, accounting for 25 per cent of total pollution. PM2.5 remains the prominent pollutant, with particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, creating major health risks.