NEW DELHI: Hours after invoking GRAP-III in Delhi-NCR as the capital’s AQI deteriorated to higher end of ‘very poor’, the Commission for Air Quality Management enforced the highest level of curbs (GRAP-IV) in the region soon after air quality had crossed into the ‘severe’ zone at 10pm.
Previous implementations of GRAP Stage-I and modified Stage-II continue to remain active. Earlier, GRAP Stage-III was operational from November 15 to December 4, while Stage-IV was enforced from November 18 to December 4.
Under the revised GRAP, stricter measures have been introduced to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar will shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class V, allowing parents and students to opt for online learning where available.
Key restrictions under GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR
- Ban on construction & demolition activities ( Exception- Projects of public importance, including railways, airports, bus terminals, defence and hospitals).
- Close down operations of stone crushers in entire NCR.
- Close down all mining and associated activities.
- Ban on BS-lll petrol and BS-lV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida. (Exception – Persons with disabilities can ply BS-petrol/ BS-IV diesel LMVs, provided these are specifically adopted for them and run only for their use)
- Restriction on plying of Delhi registered diesel-operated medium goods vehicles of BS-IV standards or below, in Delhi. (except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services)
- Restriction on BS-IV and below diesel-operated LCVs (goods carriers), registered outside Delhi, from entering Delhi. (except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services)
- Stop entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/providing essential services. All LNG/CNG/electric/ BS-VI diesel trucks shall, however, be permitted to enter Delhi)
Delhi Pollution Update: Drone visuals show density of pollution; AQI in ‘very poor’ category
Measures for public health and school safety
- NCR state govts/Delhi govt to take a call on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and rest to do WFH.
- State govts may consider additional emergency measures like closure of educational institutions and non-emergency commercial activities, running of vehicles on odd-even basis.
- Hybrid mode in schools for all classes except X & XII in Delhi, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida.
- Stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida
- Central govts may take a call on staggered timings of offices in Delhi NCR or WFH.
Tips for air detox
- Walk or use cycles for small distances.
- Choose a cleaner commute. Share a ride to work or use public transport.
- People, whose positions allow working from home, may do so.
- Do not use coal and wood for heating purpose.
- Children, elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.
- If required to move outdoors, they are advised to wear mask.
- Individual house owners may also provide electric heaters to security and other staff employed by them.
- Combine errands and reduce trips.
This winter, it is the second time when GRAP IV was enforced. Stage III and IV restrictions were enforced on Nov 15 and 18, respectively.
These restrictions were revoked on Dec 5 with immediate effect, following Supreme Court’s permission.
However, the Supreme Court had said GRAP Stage-III should be imposed next time when the AQI crosses 350, as against the earlier threshold of 400.
It had similarly asked Stage IV to be imposed when the AQI touches 400, as opposed to the earlier threshold of 450.