The Centre’s air quality panel has invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, as air quality sharply deteriorated due to unfavorable weather conditions. According to an official order, calm winds, low temperatures, and foggy conditions contributed to the accumulation of pollutants, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to jump from 275 on Tuesday to 396 by 6 pm on Wednesday.
AQI May Exceed 400 in the Coming Days
The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have issued warnings indicating that the AQI could surpass the 400 mark in the coming days. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed Delhi-NCR authorities to implement all measures outlined under stages 3 and 4 of the GRAP.
Stage 4 Restrictions Implemented
Under Stage 4 of the GRAP, stringent measures have been enforced, including a complete ban on construction activities in the region. Additionally, the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi has been restricted. Schools have been directed to move classes for all grades except 10 and 12 to hybrid modes to minimize students’ exposure to hazardous air.
Further restrictions under Stage 4 include prohibiting non-essential diesel trucks from entering Delhi, as well as banning Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-powered heavy goods vehicles, with exemptions only for those used in essential services.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is activated during winter months when air quality in Delhi-NCR tends to worsen. It categorizes air quality into four stages:
Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300)
Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400)
Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450)
Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450)
Contributing Factors to Poor Air Quality
The poor air quality in Delhi-NCR is driven by a combination of adverse meteorological conditions, vehicle emissions, burning of paddy straw, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, particularly during the winter season.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard health amidst the hazardous air quality levels.
