Delhi-NCR Implements GRAP Stage 2 as Air Quality Deteriorates

With Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) worsening in recent days, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage two of the anti-pollution plan GRAP this morning. According to real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi’s AQI at 8 a.m. was recorded at 317, placing it in the “very poor” category. AQI values range from 0 to 50 as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” 401 to 450 as “severe,” and anything above 450 as “severe-plus.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Delhi’s daily average AQI will remain in the “very poor” range in the coming days due to unfavorable weather and climate conditions. Stubble burning in nearby states such as Haryana and Punjab is frequently cited as a contributing factor to the rise in pollution levels in Delhi, particularly during the post-harvest period in October and November.

GRAP Stage 2 Restrictions Implemented

Under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restrictions on the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generator sets have been imposed across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Mechanical sweeping and daily water sprinkling will be carried out on identified roads, and strict dust control measures will be enforced at construction and demolition sites to curb air pollution.

To ease congestion and discourage private transport, additional traffic personnel will be deployed at busy points, and vehicle parking fees will be increased. The public is advised to use public transport, with extra bus and metro services being introduced. Regular replacement of automobile air filters has also been recommended, and construction activities that generate dust are discouraged between October and January.

These new actions are in addition to the Stage 1 measures, which have been in place since October 15. Stage 1 includes regular mechanized sweeping, water sprinkling on roads, dust mitigation at construction sites, and bans on open burning of waste and the use of coal or firewood in eateries. Diesel generators are allowed only with restrictions under this stage as well.

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Restrictions During Stage 3

Stage 3 of the GRAP is imposed when the AQI remains between 401 and 450. These are the steps that are then taken: 

• More frequent mechanised road sweeping and daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and hotspots.
• Further intensify public transport services with rates to encourage off-peak travel.
• Stop mining and stone-crushing activities.
• Strict restrictions on BS lll petrol and BS lV diesel LMVS (4 wheelers), strict restrictions on Delhi-registered Diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVS) to BS-lll standards, BS-lll and below diesel operated LCVS (goods carriers) registered outside Delhi not permitted to enter Delhi, lnter-State buses from NCR states other than EVs/CNG/BS-Vl diesel, to not enter Delhi,
• Possible discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V.
• Strict curbs on construction and demolition activities.

Restriction During Stage 4, When AQI Is Above 450

Stage 4 of the GRAP is implemented when the AQI in Delhi reaches the severe-plus category, which is when it crosses 450.

These are the steps that are then taken:

• Entry of trucks into Delhi is stopped.
• Ban on construction and demolition activites for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunication etc.
• The government can discontinue physical classes, including for Classes Vl – lX and Class Xl.
• The government can take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.
• State governments may consider additional emergency measures like the closure of colleges/educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting the running of vehicles on the odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.
• Children, the elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors.

Also Read: Heavy Rains Cause Waterlogging and Traffic Jams in Bengaluru, Schools Declared Closed