Mask Up Delhi! Thick smog blanket covers National Capital, AQI crosses 600; GRAP-4 implemented | Check what’s allowed and what’s not

Delhi Pollution: In view of deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), prompting the authorities to impose strict curbs on construction activity and vehicular movement across the region.

The level of air pollution in the national capital has reached an alarming point, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 600 in several areas. Cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are experiencing extremely hazardous air.

Here are some of the key details:

  • According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI (Air Quality Index) in different regions was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category.
  • A dense layer of smog was seen in Dhaula Kuan in the morning, where the AQI stood at 365, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category.
  • The entire Akshardham area was engulfed in toxic haze, with an AQI of 381, also in the ‘very poor’ category.
  • In Ghazipur, the morning view was covered with smog, and the AQI was recorded at 345 — again in the ‘very poor’ range.
  • Heavy pollution was clearly visible in the Anand Vihar area, where the AQI reached 381, falling under the ‘very poor’ category.
  • There has been no improvement in the pollution levels of Noida and Greater Noida either.
  • On Monday, the pollution here remained in the “very poor” category.
  • Noida’s Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 319, Sector 116 recorded 361, Sector 1 recorded 361, and Sector 125 recorded 383.
  • In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park 3 recorded an AQI of 356, while Knowledge Park 5 recorded 416.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat rising air pollution levels. It is enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. GRAP is activated in stages — Stage I (Poor), Stage II (Very Poor), Stage III (Severe), and Stage IV (Severe+) — depending on the severity of the AQI.

GRAP Stage-4 Implemented in Delhi-NCR

Since Delhi’s air has reached the emergency category, Stage-4 has been imposed. These tough measures include:

  • Ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi.
  • Only trucks carrying essential goods or those running on clean fuel (CNG, LNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric) are allowed.
  • Construction work on government and public projects has been stopped.
  • Ban on non-essential commercial vehicles entering Delhi from outside; only CNG and BS-VI vehicles are exempt.
  • Government and private offices are advised/allowed to let 50% of their staff work from home.
  • All restrictions under Stages 1, 2, and 3 will continue simultaneously.

News