As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region plummeted into the "severe" category, the final stage, or Phase IV, of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated. This phase is mandated to be enforced at least three days before the AQI crosses the 450 threshold in the capital.
The measures that were in place during the preceding phases continue to be effective, and additional steps are enforced following the invocation of the GRAP 'severe plus' category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for devising pollution control strategies in the region, has directed Delhi and NCR states to implement all emergency measures, according to the news agency PTI.
Here's a breakdown of what is allowed and what is not under GRAP Stage-IV:
- The entry of truck traffic into Delhi is prohibited, except for CNG or electric trucks and those transporting essential supplies.
- Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are not permitted to enter the city, except for those offering essential services or electric/CNG/BS-VI diesel vehicles.
- All construction and demolition activities, including linear projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, and pipelines, remain suspended.
- Diesel-based medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi can no longer operate within the city, except for those involved in essential services.
- State governments in the National Capital Region may decide to discontinue in-person classes for students in classes VI to IX and class XI, opting for online lessons.
- Governments may also determine whether to allow public, private, and municipal offices to function at 50% capacity, with the remaining employees working remotely.
- State governments may consider other emergency measures, such as closing colleges and educational institutions, and restricting non-essential commercial activities, potentially implementing an odd-even scheme for vehicles.
- The central government may decide on permitting employees in central government offices to work from home as deemed appropriate.
