Which Restrictions Are Back In Delhi As GRAP Stage 4 Reimposed Amid 'Severe' Air Quality?

The air quality Index in Delhi at 11 AM settled at 428. The national capital had been recording much less air pollution till December 14.

Delhi AQI: Fresh restrictions under GRAP Stage 4 were imposed in Delhi as the air quality deteriorated further, breaching the 400 mark and dipping into the 'Severe' category. The action was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's anti-pollution panel. The air quality Index in Delhi settled at 428 at 11 AM on Tuesday. The national capital had been recording much less air pollution till December 14.

GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: What Is Allowed

Under GRAP Stage 4, here is what remains permitted:

Essential Vehicles: Trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services can continue to operate. Vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel are allowed entry into Delhi.

Public Transport and Emergency Services: Public transportation services, including buses, the Metro, and emergency service vehicles, are allowed to function to ensure the mobility of residents.

Online and Work-From-Home Operations: Offices, both private and municipal, can operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the employees working from home to ensure that businesses continue to function.

Educational Institutions: While a recommendation has been made for schools to move to online learning, other institutions such as colleges and universities may continue operating with physical classes, depending on government directives.

GRAP Stage 4 In Delhi-NCR: What Is Not Allowed

The Centre's Air Quality Management (CAQM) panel announced a series of bans and restrictions aimed at reducing pollution levels:

Heavy Vehicle Ban: Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi are barred, except for those carrying essential goods. Additionally, trucks carrying non-essential items are prohibited from entering Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

Light Commercial Vehicles Restrictions: Non-essential light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are banned, except those running on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel and carrying essential goods or services.

Construction Projects Halted: Activities for public infrastructure, including highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission, and pipelines, face a strict ban, extending measures from Stage 3 of GRAP.

Restricted Physical Classes: The CAQM panel also issued advisories affecting schools and workplaces. All classes in schools except for Classes 10 and 11 are shifted to online learning, Delhi CM Atishi announced. Before the GRAP IV restrictions, the Haryana government on Saturday directed the temporary closure of all schools up to Class 5.

Work-from-Home: Offices in NCR have been urged to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the workforce working from home. Public, municipal, and private offices may operate at 50% strength while the Union government may decide on work-from-home arrangements for its employees.

Other Restrictions: State Governments can consider additional steps like closing colleges, suspending non-essential commercial activities, and implementing vehicle restrictions, such as odd-even schemes.