The Centre’s anti-pollution panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management, has decided to reimpose Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions in the Delhi-NCR. This comes amid the rising air pollution levels in the region. Scroll on to know what is banned and what is not under this plan.
GRAP IV Reimposed In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Worsens
On January 15, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed GRAP Stage-IV curbs in Delhi-NCR. According to the Hindustan Times, CAQM invoked all actions under “Stage-III and also Stage-IV of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force”.
As per reports, CAQM revoked Stage-III restrictions on January 12 in Delhi after the AQI improved due to rainfall. Now, as the AQI continues to worsen, they have decided to reimpose GRAP Stage-IV. They have asked all the agencies concerned in the Delhi-NCR to “ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further.” The CAQM has asked all agencies to “keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the GRAP schedule.”
It is to be noted that GRAP Stage-IV restrictions have not been imposed in Delhi-NCR since December 24, 2024. The AQI in Delhi was 275 on Tuesday. It rose sharply to 386 on Wednesday. It further climbed to 396 at 6 PM and is likely to breach the 400 mark.
Key Restrictions To Keep In Mind
Here’s what is banned under GRAP Stage-IV that has now been enforced in Delhi-NCR –
1. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) are restricted.
2. All construction activities are banned.
3. Entry of non-essential polluting trucks in Delhi is not allowed.
4. Classes in schools, except for classes 10 and 12, to shift to hybrid mode.
5. Trucks running on LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel are allowed.
6. NCR state governments and the Delhi government will decide whether they will allow 50% attendance in government, municipal, and private offices to work remotely.
7. The central government will decide whether its employees can work from home or not.
Also Read: Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi-NCR; Delays Almost 200 Flights, Impacts Train Operations
We hope this plan will help improve the worsening air quality of Delhi. Share your two cents on this in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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