New Delhi : Delhi’s air quality plunged into the Severe+ category on Saturday evening, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce the toughest restrictions under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 431 at 4 PM, rising to 441 by 6 PM. The sharp deterioration was linked not to fresh emissions but to unfavorable weather conditions, including weak winds, higher moisture levels, and shifting wind directions—factors that trap pollutants close to the ground during winter.
Why the Sudden Spike?
Meteorologists noted that a feeble western disturbance over northwest India slowed wind speeds and increased humidity. These conditions reduced pollutant dispersion, leading to dense smog and worsening AQI levels across the region.
What Stage-IV Means
Stage-IV of GRAP, triggered when AQI crosses 450, mandates the strictest emergency measures. The CAQM Sub-Committee, after an urgent review meeting, directed immediate implementation of the following five-point action plan across Delhi-NCR:
1 – Truck Restrictions:
- Ban on entry of BS-IV diesel trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods.
- Only LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are allowed.
2 – Heavy Vehicle Ban:
- Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are barred from operating, except for essential services.
3 – Construction Halt:
- Suspension of construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including linear public projects such as highways, flyovers, power lines, and pipelines.
4 – Hybrid Schooling:
- Mandatory hybrid (online + offline) classes for students from Class VI to IX and Class XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
- Other NCR districts may adopt similar measures.
5 – Additional Emergency Options:
- State governments may consider closing colleges, restricting non-essential commercial activity, or introducing odd-even vehicle rules if conditions worsen further.
Advisory for Citizens
The CAQM has urged residents to follow the Citizen Charter under GRAP:
- Children, senior citizens, and those with chronic illnesses should avoid outdoor exposure.
- Masks are recommended for anyone stepping outside.
- Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with restrictions to help stabilize air quality.
For detailed guidelines, the official GRAP schedule is available on the CAQM website https://caqm.nic.in
