Delhi air quality remains severe, Stage 4 of GRAP enforced: What does it mean for you?

As Delhi-NCR's air quality continues to remain in the "severe" category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday, November 5. But what does Stage 4 of GRAP include?

The Commission for Air Quality Management is a statutory body responsible for researching, identifying, and developing strategies to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

The CAQM enforced Stage 4 of GRAP to address and control Delhi-NCR's high pollution levels.

Stage 1, 2, and 3 actions are already in effect.

The AQI of Delhi on November 6, Monday is marked as 500, AQI of Noida is 413, AQI in Gurgaon (Aerocity) is 374, and the real-time AQI in Anand Vihar is marked at 396. 

What does Stage 4 of GRAP entail?

• According to Stage 4 of GRAP, it enforces the cessation of truck traffic into Delhi, except for trucks carrying essential commodities and all LNG/CNG/electric trucks.
• There's a ban on diesel-run medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) plying in the city, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
• There's also a ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities in public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.
• For children: The NCR State governments and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) might consider halting physical classes for classes VI to IX, and class XI, and conducting lessons online.
• Additionally, the NCR State governments and GNCTD have to decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest working from home.
• State governments may also consider other emergency measures such as the closure of colleges and other educational institutions, and the closure of non-emergency commercial activities, allowing vehicles to operate on an odd-even basis.
• The central government may decide on permitting work from home for employees working in central government offices.
• Another measure advises children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic diseases to stay indoors and minimize outdoor activities as much as possible.