Delhi’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category on Friday, prompting the central pollution watchdog to enforce strict measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 420 at 6 am, with 26 monitoring stations reporting AQI levels of 400 or higher. The worst-affected areas include Mundka (459), Patparganj (461), Punjabi Bagh (458), and Jahangirpuri (456).
An AQI between 401 and 450 is considered “severe,” posing a high risk to public health. With levels rising dangerously, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered Delhi and neighboring NCR states—Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan—to enforce GRAP-III measures.
GRAP-III: New Restrictions Enforced
Key restrictions include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Offenders will face fines of Rs 20,000. Only electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses are allowed for inter-state travel from NCR into Delhi.
Construction and demolition activities are largely banned, with exceptions for less polluting operations adhering to strict waste management rules. Mining-related work is also prohibited. Diesel generator sets can be used only for emergencies, and non-compliant industrial operations will be shut down.
Major welding and gas-cutting activities are forbidden, although minor MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) work is permitted. Bans extend to painting, polishing, and coating tasks, with limited allowances for minor indoor repairs.
Dust Control and School Measures
To control dust, water will be sprayed on main roads daily. The Delhi Metro will add 20 more trips on weekdays to reduce vehicular pollution, supplementing 40 extra trips already in place since GRAP-II.
Educational institutions are also impacted. Physical classes for primary school students have been suspended, with virtual learning continuing. Outdoor activities are restricted for older students.
The restrictions, aimed at curbing pollution levels, will take effect from 8 am on Friday.