Source NDTV
New Delhi: With air quality deteriorating sharply, authorities in the national capital enforced stricter pollution control measures twice within a single day, escalating curbs from Stage 3 to Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) first announced the implementation of GRAP Stage 3 after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the “very poor” category amid unfavourable meteorological conditions, low wind speed, and rising emissions. However, as pollution levels continued to worsen over the course of the day, the panel took the rare step of invoking Stage 4 restrictions, the most stringent under GRAP.
Under GRAP-3, authorities imposed a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, restricted the use of diesel generator sets except for emergency services, and advised government and private offices to adopt work-from-home options to reduce vehicular emissions.
With the escalation to GRAP-4, additional emergency measures came into force. These include a ban on the entry of non-essential diesel trucks into Delhi, restrictions on diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles registered outside the city, and possible curbs on construction activities even for linear public projects, except those deemed critical. Schools and colleges may also be advised to shift to online classes, while authorities can consider odd-even traffic schemes if pollution levels persist.
Officials said the decision was taken after real-time data showed AQI readings crossing the “severe” threshold at several monitoring stations. “The sudden spike in pollution, coupled with stagnant weather conditions, necessitated immediate and stronger action to prevent further health risks,” a CAQM official said.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to severe air pollution can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses. Citizens have been advised to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and follow health advisories.
Authorities stated that the restrictions will remain in place until air quality shows sustained improvement. Enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance, while residents have been urged to cooperate by reducing private vehicle use and avoiding activities that contribute to air pollution.
