GRAP IV restrictions invoked in Delhi-NCR: What’s allowed, what’s not

Delhi’s 24-hour common Air High quality Index (AQI), which stood at 379 by 4 pm, crossed 400 round 10 pm attributable to stagnant wind circumstances and the formation of an inversion layer, which limits the vertical dispersion of pollution.

GRAP Stage 4 was carried out in Delhi for the primary time this season in November following persistently excessive air pollution ranges within the metropolis and close by areas. Subsequently, on December 5, the Supreme Court docket allowed the CAQM to ease the GRAP-4 restrictions to Stage 2 after air high quality ranges improved within the Delhi-NCR area.

Throughout winters, Delhi enforces restrictions underneath Graded Response Motion Plan (GRAP), which categorises air high quality into 4 phases – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Extreme, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Extreme Plus, AQI above 450).

GRAP 4: What’s allowed, what’s not

1. Entry of vans into Delhi can be restricted, with exceptions for these carrying important items or companies and autos working on LNG, CNG, electrical, or BS-VI diesel.
2. Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel heavy items autos (HGVs) can be banned, apart from these engaged in important companies or transporting important commodities.
3. The ban on building and demolition (C&D) actions underneath GRAP Stage-III can be prolonged to linear public tasks, together with highways, roads, flyovers, energy transmission strains, pipelines, and telecommunication infrastructure.
4. Hybrid studying, combining on-line and offline modes, can be mandated for college students in Courses VI to IX and XI in Delhi and districts similar to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, the place on-line choices are possible, with the selection of on-line mode left to college students and their guardians.
5. Different districts within the NCR can be inspired to undertake hybrid studying for faculties based mostly on feasibility.
6. Public, municipal, and personal workplaces in NCR can be directed to operate at 50% on-site capability, with the remaining workers working from dwelling.
7. The Central Authorities can be suggested to think about work-from-home choices for workers in central authorities workplaces.
8. State Governments may implement emergency measures, together with closing schools and non-essential business actions and introducing an odd-even automobile registration scheme for personal autos.