GRAP-IV measures in place as AQI rises

Owing to the increase in air quality in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on late Monday invoked further stringent measures under Stage-IV of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Commission said that Delhi's average AQI rose to 399 at 9 PM and breached the 400 mark at 10PM. "Considering the steep rise in the AQI of Delhi owing to highly unfavourable meteorological conditions and absolute calm wind conditions,the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP called for an emergency meeting. The Sub-Committee decided to impose Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality) of the GRAP schedule issued on December 13 with mmediate effect."

The committee noted that an alarming increase in AQI levels throughout the day, attributed to calm wind conditions and the build-up of an inversion layer that limits vertical mixing and traps pollutants near the surface. Meteorological forecasts indicated that these adverse conditions are likely to persist, potentially pushing Delhi’s air quality into the ‘severe’ category, CAQM said. The revised schedule under GRAP-IV measures include stopping the entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services. All LNG/ CNG / Electric/ BS-VI Diesel trucks) shall however be permitted to enter Delhi. Enforcing a strict ban on plying of Delhi - registered diesel operated BS-IV and below Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services, a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities has been announced.

State Govts in the NCR and the Delhi Government have been advised to mandatorily conduct classes in schools for children even for higher classes i.e. from class VI to IX and XI in a ‘hybrid’ mode i.e., both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) in the territorial jurisdiction of the Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi Government had directed schools to operate in hybrid mode for upto class V.

The NCR state governments may also consider conducting classes for students as above in hybrid mode in other areas in NCR, the revised schedule stated.

Along with this the NCR state governments and Delhi Government may take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 percent strength and the rest to work from home, the advisory stated.

Central Government may also take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices. "State Governments may consider additional

emergency measures like closure of colleges/ educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc." the revised guidelines stated.