Centre implements Stage-IV air quality measures in Delhi's NCR to combat severe pollution

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New Delhi: The Central government recently made the decision to implement all measures outlined in Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which pertains to ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI > 450), throughout the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjacent areas swiftly put into action the eight-point action plan specified in Stage-IV of the GRAP across the entire NCR to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region. This directive was issued in a statement by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

The emergency measures include various steps, such as the option for Central government offices to allow employees to work from home, and state governments considering additional emergency measures such as the closure of educational institutions and non-essential commercial activities. It also includes implementing an odd-even vehicle registration number system for running vehicles.

“This is in addition to the preventive/ restrictive actions mentioned under Stage-I, Stage-II and Stage-III of GRAP. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage-IV of revised GRAP in addition to all actions under Stage-I, Stage-II, Stage-III of GRAP already in force, during this period,” the statement said.

The eight-point action plan also prohibits the operation of medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) powered by diesel, registered in Delhi, with the exception of those engaged in the transportation of essential goods and services.

Additionally, it imposes a ban on construction and demolition activities within linear public projects, such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission installations, and pipelines.

NCR State governments, as well as the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), have the authority to make decisions regarding discontinuing physical classes for students in various grades, even for classes VI – IX, class XI, and transitioning to online learning.

They can also decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate with 50 percent staffing while the rest work from home.

Furthermore, the government has urged NCR citizens to cooperate in implementing the GRAP and follow the guidelines outlined in the Citizen Charter under GRAP.

It is advised that children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic illnesses avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible.

A sub-committee that thoroughly assessed the overall air quality situation in the region, as well as meteorological forecasts and air quality index data provided by IMD/IITM during the meeting, noted that at 5 AM on Sunday, the average AQI for Delhi was 454. By 3 PM, it had risen to 463 due to ongoing unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions.