The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken significant steps to combat the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). CAQM announced the activation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), an emergency action plan designed to address severe air pollution, with immediate effect in the NCR. In an official statement, CAQM said, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage IV of GRAP ‘Severe Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI 450), today with immediate effect in the entire NCR.”
The eight-point action plan for Stage IV of the GRAP includes various measures:
- The restriction of truck traffic entering Delhi, except for trucks transporting essential goods, liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and electric vehicles
- Prohibition of non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), except for electric vehicles (EVs), CNG vehicles, and Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) diesel vehicles
- Halting the operation of diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registered in Delhi, excluding those involved in the transportation of essential goods and services
- Suspension of construction and demolition activities in linear public projects, such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, and pipelines
- Consideration of online classes for students in grades 6-9 and class 11, instead of in-person classes
- Mandating that public, municipal, and private offices operate at 50% capacity, allowing the remaining staff to work remotely
- Decision-making at the central government level regarding the possibility of work from home arrangements for employees in central government offices
- The exploration of emergency measures by state governments, including the closure of colleges and educational institutions and the implementation of odd-even vehicle registration number-based restrictions for non-essential commercial activities
Furthermore, CAQM advises children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, to minimize outdoor activities and remain indoors to safeguard their health during this period of severe air pollution.
