Air Quality In Delhi Turns ‘Severe+’; GRAP 4 Curbs To Be Implemented From Monday

New Delhi: Pollution in the national Capital is going from bad to worse.

As Delhi’s air quality plummeted to ‘severe+’ category for the first time this season, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

GRAP 3 curbs were already in place since Friday, now stricter restrictions will come into effect from 8 am on Monday, November 18.

“The AQI of Delhi was recorded at 441 (Severe) at 4 pm today and has been gradually increasing further and has already reached Severe+ category, as the AQI clocked 447, 452 and 457 at 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm, respectively,” said CAQM, the Central government’s panel on Delhi-NCR air quality.

WHAT IS BANNED UNDER GRAP 4

* Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below) banned, except those carrying essential goods

* Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi prohibited unless they use cleaner fuels like CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric vehicles

* Trucks carrying non-essential items barred from entering Delhi unless they operate on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel

* Classes VI to IX and class XI to be held in online mode; Workplaces also advised to make adjustments

* Offices in NCR advised to operate at 50% capacity, remaining workforce to work from home.