Delhi-NCR has once again slipped into an air pollution emergency as the strictest curbs under GRAP-4 have been reimposed after the city’s AQI surged sharply
from 400 at 4 pm to 428 by 8 pm on Saturday. Authorities warned that unfavourable weather conditions, including western disturbance and poor dispersion of pollutants, could push air quality further into the ‘Severe+’ zone. To prevent the situation from worsening, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage IV restrictions across the entire NCR with immediate effect. This comes in addition to the measures already in force under Stages I, II and III. Pollution control boards and concerned agencies have also been directed to further escalate enforcement to prevent a deeper air quality crisis.
What Changes for Residents Under GRAP-4
If you live in Delhi-NCR, daily life will be affected in several ways:
- Older vehicles face entry ban: Non-BS VI vehicles, including petrol vehicles without Delhi registration, are barred from entering the city.
- Truck movement restricted: Non-essential trucks will not be allowed to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels like CNG, LNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel.
- Construction completely halted: All construction and demolition work has been stopped, including roads, flyovers, pipelines, and public infrastructure projects.
- Schools may go online: States can shift Classes VI to IX and XI to online mode to protect children from toxic air.
- Work-from-home push: Offices have been advised to allow at least 50% staff to work remotely, with staggered timings to reduce traffic congestion.
Health experts advise residents to limit outdoor exposure, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, and to use masks or air purifiers where possible.
With air quality teetering close to the Severe+ mark, officials say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether even tighter emergency measures are needed.
