Starting Monday, Delhi-NCR will enforce stringent anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4, as air quality worsens to alarming levels. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 457 by 7 p.m. on Sunday, placing it in the “severe plus” category—well beyond the “severe” threshold of 400.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP Stage 4:
1. Diesel-run Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles: Banned within Delhi, except for those carrying essential goods. Only vehicles meeting BS-VI diesel standards or cleaner alternatives like CNG or electric vehicles are allowed.
2. Non-Essential Vehicles: Light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they operate on CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric.
3. Truck Restrictions: Trucks carrying non-essential goods will not be allowed to enter Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.
Workplace and School Adjustments:
1. Schools: Classes 6-9 and Class 11 are to shift to online learning to limit exposure to hazardous air quality.
2. Offices: Organizations in NCR are advised to operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining employees working from home to reduce outdoor exposure.
Air Quality Overview:
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 32 out of 34 monitoring stations recorded “severe” levels of pollution. AQI levels between 401 and 450 are categorized as “severe,” and values above 450 are considered “severe plus,” posing serious health risks to both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Pollution Sources:
The Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management identified vehicles as a major contributor to the pollution, responsible for 15.8% of the total emissions on Sunday. Stubble burning also played a significant role, contributing 25% of the pollution on Saturday.
Health Impact:
The primary pollutant remains PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can deeply penetrate the lungs and cause severe health complications, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The ongoing pollution crisis highlights the urgent need for further measures to combat the city’s air quality deterioration.
