GRAP Phase 4 in Delhi-NCR: Amid deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), measures under Phase 4 of the Graded Response Plan (GRAP) have been implemented since Monday to reduce emissions and combat pollution. By 7 pm on Sunday, Delhi registered an alert Air quality index (AQI) of 457, placing it in the “plus severe” category.

GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: What is allowed

Under GRAP Stage 4, amid strict restrictions aimed at reducing severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, here is what remains permitted:

• Essential vehicles: Trucks carrying essential goods or providing essential services can continue to operate. Vehicles running on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, electricity or BS-VI diesel are allowed to enter Delhi.
• Public transport and emergency services: Public transport services, including buses, subways and emergency service vehicles, may operate to ensure mobility for residents.
• Online and work-from-home operations: Offices, both private and municipal, can operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of employees working from home to ensure businesses continue to operate.
• Educational institutions: While a recommendation has been made for schools to switch to online learning, other institutions such as colleges and universities may continue to operate with physical classes, depending on government directives.

GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi-NCR: What is not allowed

The Centre’s Panel on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a series of bans and restrictions aimed at reducing pollution levels:

• Prohibition of heavy vehicles: Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi are prohibited except those carrying essential goods. In addition, trucks carrying non-essential items have been banned from entering Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG or BS-VI diesel.
• Restrictions for light commercial vehicles: Non-essential Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) outside Delhi are prohibited except those running on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and carrying essential goods or services.
• Stopped construction projects: Activities for public infrastructure, including highways, roads, crossings, power transmission and pipelines, face a strict ban, extending measures from stage 3 of the GRAP.
• Restricted physical classes: The CAQM Commission has also issued notices affecting schools and workplaces. All classes in schools, except classes 10 and 11, are being shifted to online learning, Delhi CM Atishi announced. Before the GRAP IV restrictions, Haryana Govt on Saturday ordered the temporary closure of all schools up to 5th grade.
• Work from home: Offices in NCR have been urged to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the workforce working from home. Public, municipal and private offices can function at 50%, while the Union government can decide on work-from-home arrangements for its employees.
• Other restrictions: State governments may consider additional steps such as closing colleges, suspending non-essential business activities and implementing vehicle restrictions such as odd-even schemes.

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Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that 32 out of 34 monitoring stations in Delhi reported “severe” AQI levels exceeding 400. AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe,” while readings above 450 fall into the “severe plus” category, which poses significant health risks to healthy people and severe impact on those with existing conditions.

The Center for Air Quality Management’s decision support system noted that vehicular emissions contributed 15.8 percent to Delhi’s pollution on Sunday. Stubble burning in neighboring states was also a major factor, accounting for 25% of the total pollution on Saturday. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, is of particular concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks.

Authorities urged residents, especially children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, to stay indoors as much as possible.