The National Capital Region has enforced the strictest anti-pollution measures under Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a sharp deterioration in air quality.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 386 on the CPCB’s daily bulletin, categorizing it as “Very Poor” (301-400). The CAQM announced immediate implementation of measures under Stages 3 (Severe) and 4 (Severe+) to curb the alarming rise in pollution levels.
Worsening Air Quality and Unfavorable Conditions
The AQI, which surged from 275 on January 14 to 396 by January 15 evening, has been exacerbated by a combination of dense fog, low temperatures, and stagnant atmospheric conditions.
Key pollution sources, including vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, and local industrial activity, have further contributed to hazardous air quality in the region.
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Meteorological forecasts by the IMD and IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to breach the 400 mark, prompting the implementation of severe restrictions under the GRAP.
Measures Under Stage-3 and Stage-4 Restrictions
To combat the crisis, authorities have rolled out a comprehensive action plan, including:
Stage-3 (Severe):
- Construction and Demolition Ban: All construction, masonry, excavation, and demolition activities are suspended.
- Mining and Crushing Halt: Mining and stone-crushing activities in Delhi-NCR are completely shut down.
- Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are barred from plying in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Stage-4 (Severe+):
- Truck Entry Ban: Entry of trucks, except those carrying essential goods, is prohibited in Delhi.
- Education and Work Policies: Authorities may transition physical classes for Classes 6-9 and Class 11 to online modes. State governments are also empowered to implement work-from-home directives for their employees.
- Odd-Even Vehicle Rule: The state may impose the odd-even rule for private vehicles to reduce road traffic emissions.
Enforcement and Compliance
The Commission for Air Quality Management has directed state Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to enforce these measures promptly and strictly.
As pollution levels remain critical, these emergency actions aim to mitigate the severe impact of air pollution on public health in the region.
