New Delhi: As Delhi continued to choke under a thick haze of smog on Friday evening, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures — across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The decision followed a sharp rise in the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed from 431 at 4 PM to 441 by 6 PM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The emergency move came after the CAQM’s sub-committee held a late-night meeting to review the worsening situation. Officials blamed the sudden spike not on fresh emissions, but on unfavourable weather conditions that have led to poor dispersion of pollutants. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) reported that a weak Western Disturbance currently hovering over north-west India has resulted in low wind speeds, calm air pockets, and a change in wind direction from west to east. Increased moisture in the lower atmosphere has worsened the situation, creating smog-like conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
These wintertime conditions, experts say, are notorious for triggering steep declines in air quality. With pollutants now lingering near the surface, visibility across several areas fell sharply through the day. Despite no significant rise in emissions, the stagnant air has prevented the dispersal of existing pollutants, leading to a rapid deterioration in air quality.
Under Stage-IV of the GRAP, or the ‘Severe+’ category, five strong measures will now come into force across Delhi and the National Capital Region. These include an immediate ban on the entry of BS-IV diesel trucks, except those carrying essential goods or offering vital services. Only trucks running on LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel engines will be allowed entry into the city.
The new restrictions also prohibit the movement of Delhi-registered heavy goods vehicles running on BS-IV diesel or below, again with exceptions for essential transport. Construction and demolition work—already restricted under earlier stages of GRAP—will be fully stopped for large infrastructure projects such as highways, roads, power lines, and pipelines.
The CAQM has further directed state governments in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to shift all classroom teaching for students from Class VI to IX and Class XI to a hybrid mode, wherever possible, in districts including Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Other areas in NCR have been advised to follow suit. The final choice between online and physical classes will rest with students and parents.
Authorities have also suggested that states consider additional emergency moves, including temporary closure of colleges and non-essential businesses and even the odd-even vehicle scheme to limit traffic emissions.
The CAQM has urged citizens to follow health advisories and the GRAP Citizen Charter strictly. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to stay indoors and wear masks if stepping outside is unavoidable.