New Delhi: Pollution levels in Delhi have risen sharply, prompting authorities to reimpose Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan
(GRAP)across the National Capital Region (NCR). Official data showed the AQI (Air Quality Index) reached 400 on Saturday, while readings from private applications reportedly surpassed 700, according to several media reports. Residents are advised to stay indoors and venture out only when necessary. On Sunday morning, Delhi’s AQI stood at 462, remaining in the 'severe’ category. According to experts, the sudden spike occurred due to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions, which prevented pollutants from dispersing. As a result, a thick layer of smog covered the capital, reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. Also Read: Greater Noida: Multiple Vehicles Collide Amid Dense Fog, Visibility Reduced on Peripheral Expressway – VIDEO
Stage IV GRAP Restrictions – Key Points
Vehicles – What is Banned
- Entry of trucks into Delhi is completely stopped, except for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services.
- Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are barred, except electric, CNG-powered, or BS-VI diesel vehicles engaged in essential services.
- BS-IV and older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned within Delhi, with exemptions only for essential services.
- Trucks running on LNG, CNG, electricity, or BS-VI diesel carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
- Electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel LCVs engaged in essential services or transporting essential goods.
- Essential service vehicles are allowed movement despite restrictions.
- All construction and demolition (C&D) activities halted across Delhi-NCR.
- Includes private construction and public infrastructure projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, pipelines, power lines, and telecom works.
- Purpose: reduce dust and particulate emissions during severe pollution.
Schools and Offices
- Physical classes for Classes VI–IX and XI may move to online or hybrid mode; senior classes may also adopt hybrid arrangements.
- Private and government offices in GNCTD to operate at 50% strength, with the rest working from home.
- Central government offices in NCR may adopt similar arrangements.
