GRAP IV Restrictions Reinstituted in Delhi-NCR as Pollution Escalates
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Synopsis
On January 15, the Central Government reintroduced <b>GRAP IV</b> restrictions in the <b>Delhi-NCR</b> area due to deteriorating air quality. The decision by the <b>CAQM</b> includes measures from <b>Stage-III</b> and <b>Stage-IV</b> to combat pollution effectively.
Key Takeaways
- GRAP IV restrictions have been reinstated in Delhi-NCR.
- Stage-III and Stage-IV actions are now effective immediately.
- The CAQM is monitoring air quality levels continuously.
- Non-essential diesel trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi.
- Adverse weather and pollution sources contribute to high AQI levels.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Central Government reinstated GRAP IV restrictions in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday due to a significant decline in air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee has mandated the implementation of all measures under Stage-III ('Severe Air Quality of Delhi) and Stage-IV ('Severe+ Air Quality of Delhi) from the current GRAP schedule, effective immediately. This is in addition to the Stage-I and Stage-II actions that are already in effect, as stated in an official announcement.
"All actions within the GRAP schedule will be enforced, monitored, and reviewed by all relevant agencies across the entire NCR to prevent any further deterioration of AQI levels. All responsible agencies are required to maintain vigilant oversight and enhance measures outlined in the GRAP schedule. Citizens are urged to comply strictly with the citizen charter under GRAP," the statement continued.
Previously, on January 12, the CAQM lifted the Stage-3 restrictions after the air quality in Delhi saw improvement due to rainfall. The measures under Stage-IV encompass a prohibition on all construction activities, barring the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and mandating a shift to hybrid classes for schools, excluding classes 10 and 12.
Non-essential diesel trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and diesel-run heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi that are BS-IV or older are also prohibited, except for essential services, under Stage-IV.
During the winter season, the Delhi-NCR region applies restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages – Stage-I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage-II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage-III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage-IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Adverse meteorological conditions, along with vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to dangerously high air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winter.
