Delhi pollution update: GRAP-4 curbs reimposed in Delhi-NCR, check list of restrictions

Delhi pollution update: In a big action against the rising air pollution in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The action has been taken by the the Centre’s pollution watchdog due to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. Here are all the details you need to know about the rising air pollution in the national capital and most importantly, the list of restrictions imposed under GRAP-4 curbs.

Rising pollution in Delhi NCR

“The AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 400 on Saturday at 4 PM, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded at 428 at 8 PM owing to a western disturbance, highly unfavourable weather and meteorological conditions, and lack of dispersal of pollutants,” a senior official of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was quoted as saying by a PTI report.

GRAP-4: List of key restrictions

Truck Entry Restrictions: Due to the GRAP IV measures, the entry of diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered outside Delhi will be banned.

Construction Ban: As per the GRAP IV restriction measures, a complete ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including linear public projects like highways, roads, and flyovers will be imposed in the national capital.

Industrial and Business Curbs: Due to the GRAP IV measures, polluting industries will be closed and restrictions on non-essential, non-polluting industrial operations will be imposed.

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of extant GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure,” the official said. This comes a day after the CAQM enforced GRAP 3 restrictions in Delhi-NCR on Friday.

What are GRAP measures?

GRAP measures are emergency actions that are taken in Delhi-NCR to control pollution. Categorised into various air quality into four stages — ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300), ‘very poor’ (AQI 301-400), ‘severe’ (AQI 401-450) and ‘severe plus’ (AQI above 450), the measures are invoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).