GRAP-IV In Delhi Amid High AQI: Tandoor, Vehicles, Construction Sites In Banned List
To address dangerous winter air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The seasonal rise in pollution is attributed to stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, firecrackers, and stubble burning.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good,’ while deteriorating levels—from ‘poor’ (201–300) to ‘severe’ (401–500) prompt emergency measures.
GRAP Stage IV was activated last week after Delhi’s AQI remained in the severe category for several consecutive days.
Restrictions in Delhi
Schools
On Monday, the Delhi government announced the suspension of in-person classes for students from nursery to Class 5. Earlier, parents had the option to choose between sending their children to school or opting for online classes, but this choice has now been withdrawn. Meanwhile, schools will continue to operate in a hybrid mode for students of Classes 6 to 9 and 11, allowing them to attend classes online.
Read also: Delhi Minister Apologies For Toxic Air; Announces Measures To Curb Pollution
Offices
Government and private offices are mandated to operate with only 50 per cent staff on-site, requiring the rest to work from home, as part of the emergency measures. The government also urged all private entities to adopt flexible working hours, if possible.
Vehicles
As Delhi grapples with a severe pollution crisis, only Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles will be permitted to enter the national capital from December 18. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the measure, effectively restricting the entry of all non-BS-VI vehicles into the city.
In addition, vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be denied fuel at petrol pumps across Delhi starting December 18. Automated cameras installed at fuel stations will be used to identify vehicles without valid PUC certificates and enforce the rule.
Construction Work
All construction and demolition work has been prohibited, including linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines, and telecom infrastructure, which are otherwise permitted during the lower stages.
Tandoors
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has directed restaurants and eateries to stop using coal and firewood-based tandoors. Under the आदेश, only electric or gas-operated tandoors are permitted, and strict compliance is mandatory with no exceptions.
