Delhi Enforces GRAP-IV Measures Amid Escalating Air Pollution Crisis
Severe air quality prompts stringent restrictions starting November 18
In response to the escalating air pollution crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the implementation of Stage-IV (Severe+) actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, effective from 8 a.m. on Monday, November 18. This decision follows an urgent meeting of the GRAP sub-committee on November 17, which assessed current air quality data, meteorological conditions, and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 17, 2024
The sub-committee had previously activated Stage-I, Stage-II, and Stage-III actions on October 14, October 21, and November 14, respectively. The progression to Stage-IV measures underscores the severity of the pollution levels currently afflicting the region.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements actions under stage-lV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR in addition to the Stage-I, II and III actions already in force, from 8 A.M. of 18th November 2024 in the NCR.
NCR… pic.twitter.com/QFFqanqO8y
— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2024
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage-IV
The Stage-IV actions encompass several stringent measures aimed at mitigating the deteriorating air quality:
- Educational Adjustments: The Delhi government has been advised to transition physical classes for grades VI to IX and XI to online platforms to reduce exposure to polluted air.
- Workforce Management: Authorities are urged to implement a 50% workforce policy for public, municipal, and private offices, allowing the remaining employees to work remotely.
- Vehicular Restrictions: Entry into Delhi is restricted to trucks carrying essential items or those utilizing clean fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, excluding electric vehicles and those running on CNG or BS-VI diesel, are prohibited. Additionally, Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for those involved in essential services.
- Construction Ban: All construction activities, including those related to highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and other public projects, have been suspended to curb dust and emissions.
The decision to enforce Stage-IV measures comes after a high-level review meeting chaired by CAQM Member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee on November 16. Officials emphasized the critical need for strict enforcement of GRAP measures, particularly as the winter months, typically associated with higher pollution levels, approach.
Public Advisory and Compliance
The CAQM has reiterated the importance of strict adherence to GRAP guidelines, which are available on its official website. Residents and businesses in the Delhi-NCR region are urged to comply with these measures to collectively address the severe air quality situation.
The implementation of these stringent measures reflects the authorities’ commitment to tackling the persistent air pollution problem in Delhi-NCR. The success of these efforts hinges on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and the general public, to ensure a healthier environment for all.
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