With the air quality in Delhi plunging to the “Severe+” category for the first time this season, the Centre’s air quality panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures will come into effect from 8 am on Monday.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 457 at 7 pm on Sunday, rising from 441 at 4 pm. The GRAP divides air quality into four stages: “poor,” “very poor,” “severe,” and “severe+,” with AQI above 450 marking the most critical level.
Key restrictions include a complete ban on truck entry into Delhi, except those carrying essential items or using clean fuels like CNG or electric power. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they are electric or BS-VI compliant. Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel trucks are banned unless serving essential services.
Additionally, all construction activities on public infrastructure projects such as highways, flyovers, and pipelines have been suspended. The CAQM has recommended online teaching for students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11. Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been advised to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest working from home.
Central government offices may also shift to remote work options. These stringent measures aim to mitigate the severe pollution crisis affecting Delhi-NCR residents.