GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi Explained: What’s Banned and What’s Permitted

Delhi, New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has chosen to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said that Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) increased significantly to 441 by 4 PM on Sunday and 457 by 7 PM.

Therefore, under Stage 4 of the anti-pollution strategy Graded Response Action strategy (GRAP), the Center's air quality panel has called for tighter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR to stop future deterioration of the air quality.

What is prohibited and what is not

1. Physical education classes are prohibited for all students except for those in grades 10 and 12.

2. Truck traffic into Delhi is prohibited (save for vehicles transporting critical commodities or providing important services). All LNG/CNG/Electric/BS-VI Diesel trucks would be able to enter Delhi.

3. Light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi, except EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, are not permitted to enter Delhi unless they transport critical commodities or provide important services.

4. Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi at BS-IV or lower shall be forbidden from running, except those carrying vital services.

5. The NCR state governments and Delhi government will determine whether to allow 50% of employees in government, municipal, and private entities to work from home.

6. The state government may consider extra emergency measures such as closing colleges and other educational institutions suspending non-emergency commercial activity, limiting vehicle operation, and enforcing the odd-even rule for autos.

7. The central government can decide whether its employees can work from home.

In addition, people have been urged to follow the rules and contribute to the successful execution of GRAP measures aimed at maintaining and improving regional air quality. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic conditions should stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outside activities.