As air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches alarming levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) effective from November 18, 2024. This comprehensive set of measures aims to combat the severe pollution crisis that has gripped the region, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to unprecedented heights. In this article, we will explore what is banned and what remains allowed under these new regulations.

The Context: Why GRAP 4 Was Implemented

The decision to enforce GRAP 4 comes as Delhi’s AQI escalated to a staggering 483, categorizing it within the ‘severe plus’ range. This situation has prompted urgent action to mitigate health risks associated with poor air quality, which can lead to serious respiratory issues and other health problems for residents. The CAQM‘s proactive measures are aimed at curbing emissions and improving overall air quality in the national capital.

Key Restrictions Under GRAP 4

The GRAP 4 regulations consist of several critical restrictions designed to address the pollution crisis effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what is now banned:

1. Ban on Construction Activities

All construction and demolition activities are suspended across Delhi-NCR. This includes:

• Public infrastructure projects: Such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines, and telecommunication work.
• Private construction: All residential and commercial construction projects are also halted.

This ban aims to reduce dust and emissions generated by construction activities, which significantly contribute to air pollution.

2. Vehicle Restrictions

The new rules impose strict limitations on vehicle entry into Delhi:

• Diesel-powered vehicles: Medium and heavy goods vehicles registered as BS-IV or lower are banned unless they are transporting essential goods.
• Non-essential light commercial vehicles: These are prohibited from entering Delhi unless they operate on cleaner fuels such as CNG or are electric vehicles.
• Truck entry: Only trucks carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric) can enter the city.

3. School Operations

In light of the deteriorating air quality, physical classes for students in grades 6 through 9 and Class 11 have been shifted online. Only students in Classes 10 and 12 may continue attending physical classes. This measure is intended to protect younger students from exposure to harmful air pollutants.

4. Work-from-Home Recommendations

The CAQM has advised offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) to operate at reduced capacity—50% of employees working from home—to minimize commuting-related emissions. Central government employees may also be encouraged to adopt work-from-home arrangements during this critical period.

Also read : Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Smog for Second Day: AQI Soars Past 400, Residents Face Severe Health Risks

What Is Allowed Under GRAP 4?

Despite the stringent restrictions, certain activities remain permissible under GRAP 4:

1. Essential Services

• Vehicles transporting essential goods or providing emergency services are exempt from the vehicle restrictions.
• Construction activities related to critical infrastructure projects like metro rail systems and hospitals may continue.

2. Public Transport

Public transport services remain operational, encouraging residents to utilize buses and metro services instead of personal vehicles.

3. Health Precautions

Residents are advised to take necessary health precautions when outdoors, including wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours.

Navigating Life Under GRAP 4

As Delhi grapples with severe air pollution levels, the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 represents a crucial step towards safeguarding public health and improving air quality. While many activities face restrictions, it is essential for residents to adapt by utilizing available resources such as public transport and online education options.

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As pollution levels surge, Delhi is once again engulfed in a dense layer of smog, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘Severe’ category. The capital city and its surrounding areas have been experiencing hazardous air conditions for the second consecutive day, with the AQI breaching the 400-mark, raising alarms across the city.

Air Quality Crisis Deepens in Delhi

On Thursday morning, Delhi woke up to a blanket of toxic smog as pollution levels reached alarming heights. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that several areas recorded AQI levels well beyond 400, categorizing the air quality as ‘Severe.’ This poses a serious threat to public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

On Wednesday, Delhi’s AQI spiked to 429, and the situation continued to worsen. Some of the most affected areas include Anand Vihar (473), Ashok Vihar (471), Jahangirpuri (470), and Nehru Nagar (462). These numbers indicate extremely hazardous air quality, which can have immediate and severe impacts on health.

Key Affected Areas and AQI Levels:

• Anand Vihar: 473
• Ashok Vihar: 471
• Jahangirpuri: 470
• Nehru Nagar: 462
• Punjabi Bagh: 459
• Okhla Phase 2: 441

The deteriorating air quality is not just limited to central Delhi; peripheral areas like Dwarka, Chandni Chowk, and Narela also reported AQI levels hovering between 400 and 460, adding to the mounting health crisis.

The Health Impact of ‘Severe’ AQI Levels

According to the CPCB, an AQI of 401-500 is classified as ‘Severe,’ meaning that even healthy individuals are likely to experience respiratory distress. For those with pre-existing health conditions, the effects can be far worse, leading to potential respiratory failure or exacerbation of heart and lung diseases.

Prolonged exposure to this level of pollution can lead to chronic conditions, as the air is filled with high concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which penetrate deep into the lungs. This puts residents at high risk of developing long-term health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases.

What’s Causing Delhi’s Toxic Air?

Delhi’s toxic air is a combination of several factors, with stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana being a major contributor. The burning of crop residues has resulted in a thick haze of smoke covering the region, which mixes with local pollutants from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.

Vehicular emissions account for 15.4% of the overall pollution, according to recent reports, with the city’s dense traffic adding to the toxic mix. In addition, meteorological factors such as low wind speeds and high humidity have further worsened the situation, trapping pollutants close to the ground and preventing their dispersion.

Major Causes of Delhi’s Air Pollution:

• Stubble burning in neighboring states
• Vehicular emissions and traffic congestion
• Industrial pollution from nearby factories
• Construction dust and road dust

Authorities Struggle to Control the Pollution Surge

Despite various measures to curb pollution, including the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the air quality continues to remain hazardous. Authorities have restricted construction activities, limited the entry of trucks into the city, and even increased parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles. However, these efforts have done little to bring immediate relief to the residents.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that pollution levels will remain high in the coming days due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as low wind speeds and high moisture content in the air, which makes it difficult for pollutants to disperse.

How to Protect Yourself During This Pollution Crisis

With the air quality in Delhi hovering in the ‘Severe’ category, it is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health. Here are some important tips to stay safe during this pollution crisis:

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially in the early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are typically at their peak.
• Use Air Purifiers: Consider using indoor air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce the amount of indoor pollution.
• Wear N95 Masks: If stepping outside is unavoidable, wear a high-quality N95 mask to filter out harmful particulate matter.
• Keep Windows Closed: Prevent polluted air from entering your home by keeping windows and doors shut, particularly during high pollution hours.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out toxins and keep your respiratory system functioning optimally.

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