GRAP-4 invoked as Delhi turns into gas chamber; will schools switch to online mode and offices to WFH? Check complete list of restrictions

Delhi Air Quality update: Delhi’s air quality touched hazardous levels on Saturday evening, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke curbs under GRAP-4– the the strictest measures under the pollution control plan– across the Delhi-NCR region.

Why CAQM invoked GRAP-4?

The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP, which had invoked GRAP-3 curbs in Delhi earlier in the day, held an urgent meeting at 6.30 pm to review the situation amid sharp rise in pollution levels since morning and weather forecasts by the IMD and IITM, and decided to impose restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked the strictest measures under its air pollution control plan, GRAP, including a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.

During the meeting, the Sub-Committee observed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, which at 401 at 10 am in the “severe” category, climbed to to 431 at 4 pm, 436 at 5 pm, 441 at 6 pm and 448 at 7 pm, due to to very low wind speed, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions that prevented dispersion of pollutants.

The panel decided to invoke GRAP-4 restricts as these meteorological conditions, along with calm winds and mist or haze during the night, are likely to persist, further trapping pollutants over the region. Restrictions under GRAP Stages I, II and III will remain in force across Delhi-NCR, in addition to Stage-IV curbs, CAQM said.

What restrictions are imposed under GRAP-4?

GRAP-4 mandates severe restrictions on vehicular traffic, including a sweeping ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. While , CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are allowed to enter the city, Delhi-registered diesel heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) are barred entry, again with exceptions only for essential services.

Under GRAP Stage-IV, all construction and demolition activities are banned, including even linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecom works, which are otherwise allowed in lower stages.

Will offices switch to WFH and schools to hybrid mode?

All schools across Delhi-NCR are required to switch classes to hybrid mode up to Class XI, and students are given the option to attend online classes wherever feasible. GRAP-4 also requires all government and private offices in Delhi and affected NCR districts to allow at least 50 percent of their staff to work from home (WFH).

Additionally, state governments are asked to consider additional emergency steps, such as closing colleges and educational institutions, shutting non-essential commercial activities and even introducing odd-even rules for vehicles if the pollution situation worsens further.

During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.