The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recorded alarming AQI levels of over 450, urging immediate action to mitigate the worsening crisis. Construction activities at public projects will also be temporarily halted to curb the pollution.
By PC Bureau
With Delhi’s air quality plunging to the “severe+” category for the first time this season, the Centre’s air quality panel announced tougher pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am on Monday.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Sunday that physical classes for all students, except those in Classes 10 and 12, will be suspended. The decision follows a sharp decline in Delhi’s air quality, which reached the ‘severe-plus’ category, prompting the enforcement of GRAP-4 restrictions in the city.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recommended online teaching for students in Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11.
“With the implementation of GRAP-4 from Monday, physical classes will be discontinued for all students except those in Classes 10 and 12. All schools will conduct online classes until further notice,” Atishi posted on X.
The others measures include a ban on trucks entering Delhi, except for those transporting essential goods or using clean fuels like CNG and BS-VI diesel. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, with exceptions for electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG and BS-VI diesel vehicles. Additionally, Delhi-registered medium and heavy diesel trucks older than BS-IV will be banned, except for those engaged in essential services.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that Delhi’s AQI had reached 447, 452, and 457 at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:00 pm, respectively, signaling an alarming surge in pollution levels. Public construction activities will also be temporarily halted under the new measures.
“The AQI of Delhi was recorded at 441 (Severe) at 4:00 PM today and has been gradually increasing further and has already reached Severe+ category, as thc AQI clocked 447, 452 and 457 at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 7:0O PM, respectively,” said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR air quality.
The  Stage-4 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat severe air pollution will  include following  key restrictions and guidelines:
- Vehicle Restrictions:
- Trucks, except those carrying essential goods or using clean fuel (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, electric), will be banned from entering the city.
- Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi will also be prohibited, with exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs), CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.
- Delhi-registered medium and heavy diesel goods vehicles older than BS-IV will be banned, unless involved in essential services.
- Construction Activity:
- All construction activities, including public projects such as roads, flyovers, power lines, and pipelines, will be halted.
- Workplace Guidelines:
- Offices in the NCR region should operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home.
- Online education will be recommended for students in Classes 6-9 and Class 11.
- Additional Measures:
- The state government may impose further measures like closing colleges, limiting non-essential commercial activities, and potentially introducing odd-even vehicle rules
