Delhi air pollution: Centre's panel invokes Stage 4 of GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 4 of the GRAP throughout Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, in addition to all actions under Stages 1, 2, and 3, to prevent further degradation of air quality. Stage 4 of the GRAP is implemented when the air quality index (AQI) touches 450-500. The AQI in several areas of Delhi crossed 450 on Sunday.
GRAP Stage 4 implemented amid 'severe' air pollution
8-point action plan for Stage 4
An eight-point action plan in accordance with GRAP Stage 4 is in force throughout the NCR as of Sunday. Under the plan, the entry of trucks into Delhi is restricted, with exceptions for trucks carrying essential goods and services and all LNG, CNG, and electric trucks. Non-Delhi-registered LCVs are also not permitted, with the exception of EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel cars transporting essential goods/services.
Construction, demolition activities banned
In addition, construction and demolition activities have been banned, including public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc. The Delhi government will decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate at half capacity, while the central government may consider taking lessons for classes VI-IX and class XI online rather than in person.
Stage 4 usually activated 3 days before AQI crosses 450
Stage IV is normally initiated at least three days before the AQI in Delhi exceeds 450. However, due to the deterioration of air quality, this time the implementation is reactive. Many areas of Delhi hit the "severe plus" level during the last few days. On Sunday, the highest level was reported at the Wazirpur monitoring site, with an AQI of 859 at noon.
Air quality in Noida, Gurugram plunges
Noida also saw its air quality plunge to the "severe plus" category with a 466 AQI on Sunday morning. Gurugram's AQI, on the other hand, stood at 392. GRAP categorizes actions into four stages: Stage I: "Poor" (AQI 201-300); Stage II: "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400); Stage III: "Severe" (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV: "Severe Plus"(AQI >450).
What is GRAP
GRAP, or Graded Response Action Plan, is a series of emergency measures that take effect in the Delhi-NCR region after air quality hits a certain threshold in order to stop further deterioration. The GRAP was first implemented in 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change. It is now implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
