GRAP-4 Restrictions Enforced in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Hits ‘Severe’ Levels Again

GRAP-4 was enforced in Delhi in November due to persistently high pollution levels. However, on December 5, the Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax restrictions to Stage 2 after noticeable improvement in air quality.

On Monday, the Centre's air quality panel reimposed GRAP-4 restrictions under the winter air pollution control plan as air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category due to adverse weather conditions. This included a complete ban on construction activities. The escalation to Stage 4 came just hours after GRAP Stage 3 measures were introduced in the capital.

Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 379 by 4 PM, crossed 400 by 10 PM due to stagnant wind conditions and the formation of an inversion layer. This inversion layer traps pollutants close to the ground, preventing their vertical dispersion.

For the first time this season, GRAP Stage 4 was enforced in November as pollution levels remained critically high across Delhi-NCR. Later, as air quality improved, the Supreme Court permitted CAQM to relax measures to Stage 2 on December 5.

what is GRAP-4?

GRAP-4 refers to Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to combat severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP is a multi-stage plan designed to control and reduce pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

What are GRAP-4 Restrictions in Delhi?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures introduced to tackle rising air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. GRAP-4, the strictest stage, is implemented when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 450, marking the air as 'severe.'

Key measures under GRAP Stage 4 include:

1. Ban on Construction Activities: All construction and demolition activities, including roadwork, are halted.
2. Restrictions on Vehicles: Entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles is banned. Only essential services vehicles are allowed.
3. Industrial Shutdown: Non-essential industries and brick kilns must stop operations.
4. Closure of Schools and Offices: Depending on severity, schools may shift to online classes, and offices are advised to encourage work-from-home.

Current Air Quality in Delhi-NCR

As per recent reports, the Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 450, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ category. Prominent areas such as Anand Vihar, ITO, and Noida recorded the highest pollution levels.

Causes contributing to severe air quality include:

• Stubble Burning: Farmers burning crop residue in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana.
• Vehicle Emissions: High vehicular density worsens the pollution.
• Industrial Emissions: Factories operating with low emission controls add to the problem.
• Construction Dust: Despite prior GRAP stages, unchecked construction releases pollutants.

Impact of GRAP- 4 on Daily Life

The enforcement of GRAP-4 has significantly impacted life in Delhi-NCR:

1. Construction Ban:
   • Builders and laborers face economic losses due to the sudden halt of construction activities.
   • Projects such as highways, metro expansions, and residential complexes are delayed.
2. Vehicle Restrictions:
   • Only electric, CNG, and essential vehicles are allowed.
   • Increased dependency on public transport like metros and buses.
3. Health Advisories:
   • Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and use N95 masks when stepping outside.
   • Vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, are at higher risk of respiratory issues.
4. Schools and Workplaces:
   • Schools are transitioning to online classes to minimize student exposure to pollution.
   • Companies are advised to implement work-from-home policies to reduce commuting emissions.

GRAP 4: What's allowed, what's not

1. Truck Entry Restrictions: Entry of trucks into Delhi will be restricted, except for those carrying essential goods or services and vehicles running on LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel.
2. Ban on Diesel Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel HGVs will be banned, except those engaged in transporting essential commodities or providing essential services.
3. Extension of Construction Ban: The ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities under GRAP Stage-III will now include linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines, and telecommunication infrastructure.
4. Hybrid Learning for Schools: For Classes VI to IX and XI, hybrid learning (a mix of online and offline modes) will be mandated in Delhi and NCR districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, where online learning is feasible. Students and guardians will have the flexibility to choose the online mode. Other districts in NCR will be encouraged to adopt hybrid learning based on feasibility.
5. Office Capacity Limits: Public, municipal, and private offices in NCR will be directed to operate at 50% on-site capacity, with the remaining staff working from home.
6. Work-from-Home for Central Government: The Central Government will be advised to consider work-from-home options for employees in central government offices.
7. State Government Emergency Measures: State governments may implement emergency actions such as: Closing colleges and non-essential commercial activities. Introducing the odd-even vehicle scheme for private vehicles to reduce pollution levels.

Health Precautions During Severe Air Quality

Residents are urged to take the following precautions during GRAP-4 restrictions:

• Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours.
• Use Air Purifiers: Install air purifiers at home and workplaces.
• Wear Masks: Use N95 masks when outdoors.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from the body.