Delhi’s air pollution crisis has deepened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the ‘severe plus’ category on Sunday. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR starting at 8 am on November 18. This emergency step is the final and most stringent level of the GRAP framework, designed to mitigate critical air quality emergencies.
Delhi’s deteriorating air quality
Out of the 35 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, most recorded AQI levels above 400 on Sunday, with Dwarka registering a staggering 499. A dense smog layer has blanketed the city for six consecutive days, reducing visibility to a mere 150 metres. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for dense fog, warning of further visibility and health challenges.
The air quality crisis follows a steady decline since October, with GRAP Stages I, II, and III triggered on October 14, October 21, and November 14, respectively. On Sunday, the AQI hit 441 in the afternoon before peaking at 468 by night, marking Delhi’s fourth ‘severe’ air quality day this month.
What is banned under GRAP stage IV?
Stage IV imposes stringent restrictions to reduce emissions and improve air quality:
- Vehicle Restrictions:
- Non-essential trucks and non-BS-VI light commercial vehicles are barred from entering Delhi.
- Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or older) are prohibited, except for those carrying essential items.
- Only trucks carrying essential goods or using clean fuels (electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel) are permitted entry.
- Construction and Demolition Ban:
- All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects like roads, highways, flyovers, and power lines, are suspended.
- Workplace Modifications:
- Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) are advised to operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home. Central government employees may also adopt remote working policies.
- Educational and Commercial Activities:
- State governments have been urged to close colleges, limit non-essential commercial operations, and consider odd-even vehicle rules to reduce traffic emissions.
Major projects impacted by GRAP-IV
Several infrastructure projects are now on hold due to the blanket ban on construction activities:
- Traffic Infrastructure:
- The underpasses at Mukarba Chowk and Haiderpur Metro Road.
- The Bhairon Marg underpass connecting Pragati Maidan to the Ring Road.
- Urban Development:
- Construction of the Barapula Elevated Corridor Phase-3 near Mayur Vihar Phase-1 and Yamuna Khadar.
- Work on four new hospitals aimed at bolstering Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure.
These delays will likely extend project timelines and disrupt urban development plans.
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Public health concerns
The deteriorating air quality has prompted the Delhi government to take emergency health measures:
- Physical classes have been suspended for all students except those in Classes 10 and 12, with virtual lessons replacing in-person teaching.
- Residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, have been advised to limit outdoor activities to avoid exposure to hazardous air.
Authorities are also considering halving office attendance, introducing work-from-home policies, and restricting vehicular movement via odd-even schemes.
Understanding GRAP stages
GRAP provides a phased response to Delhi’s air quality challenges:
- GRAP Stage I (AQI 201-300): Advisories issued, open burning banned, and dust control measures intensified.
- GRAP Stage II (AQI 301-400): Diesel generator use restricted, road sprinkling enhanced, and cleaning drives implemented.
- GRAP Stage III (AQI 401-450): Non-essential construction banned, vehicle entry limited, and industrial activities curbed.
- GRAP Stage IV (AQI above 450): All construction halted, schools closed, and stringent vehicle restrictions imposed.
No immediate relief in sight
The CAQM has warned that Delhi’s air quality is unlikely to improve in the coming days. Dense fog, stagnant winds, and other unfavourable meteorological conditions will continue to exacerbate pollution levels. The AQI is expected to remain in the ‘severe’ or ‘severe plus’ categories unless significant weather changes occur.
Authorities have hinted at further measures, including stricter workplace attendance policies and reduced commercial activity, to address the crisis. As residents brace for prolonged exposure to hazardous air, calls for long-term solutions to Delhi’s air pollution woes are growing louder.
