GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR: What’s Banned and What’s Allowed

Delhi's air quality has gone down to alarming levels, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 483, stringent restrictions have been implemented to curb further deterioration of air quality.

GRAP Stages I, II, and III: Measures Before Stage IV

Before Stage IV, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implements progressive measures as air pollution worsens:

• Stage I (AQI 201-300): Focuses on controlling pollution at its source. Measures include stopping open waste burning, mechanized road sweeping, and strict monitoring of dust from construction activities.
• Stage II (AQI 301-400): Introduces moderate restrictions like banning the use of diesel generators, enhancing parking fees to discourage vehicle use, and intensifying water sprinkling to control dust.
• Stage III (AQI 401-450): Tightens rules further, including halting non-essential construction activities, banning brick kilns and stone crushers, and implementing stricter vehicular restrictions such as a ban on older diesel vehicles.

Each stage is designed to act as a preemptive step to prevent the escalation of air pollution, but as the AQI crosses 450, Stage IV becomes necessary to address the severe situation comprehensively.

These stages highlight the multi-layered approach of GRAP to tackle air quality deterioration progressively.

What is GRAP Stage IV?

GRAP is a graded plan designed to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Stage IV is activated when the AQI exceeds 450 and enters the ‘severe plus’ category. These measures aim to minimize pollution from vehicles, construction, and other sources.

Key Restrictions on Commercial Vehicles

1. Truck Entry Ban:

   • Trucks running on BS-IV diesel or older fuel types are banned from entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or providing critical services.
   • Only trucks using clean fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric vehicles (EVs) are allowed.

2. Light Commercial Vehicles:

   • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are banned unless they use EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.
   • Vehicles carrying essential commodities or services are exempt.

3. Delhi-Registered Diesel Vehicles:

   • Medium and heavy diesel vehicles compliant with BS-IV or older norms cannot operate, except for essential services.

Other Measures Enforced

• Construction Activities Halted: All construction and demolition activities, including work on highways, flyovers, power lines, and pipelines, are suspended.
• Education: Physical classes are suspended for students up to Class 9 and Class 11. Classes for 10 and 12 will continue in-person due to upcoming exams.
• Work-from-Home Policy: Governments in Delhi-NCR have been advised to allow 50% of employees to work from home. The central government may adopt similar measures.
• Additional Emergency Actions: State governments may consider closing colleges, limiting non-essential commercial activities, and implementing odd-even rules for private vehicles.

Why Target Commercial Vehicles?

Heavy-duty trucks running on BS-IV diesel emit significantly higher pollutants compared to modern BS-VI vehicles. They lack catalytic converters, releasing high levels of particulate matter and gases. The ban on older vehicles aims to reduce these emissions effectively.

Public Advisory

Citizens are urged to stay indoors, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues. People are also encouraged to limit outdoor activities and follow the guidelines to help improve air quality.

What’s Next?

With smog blanketing Delhi-NCR, the focus is on strict implementation of GRAP measures. Authorities may introduce further restrictions if pollution levels worsen. Citizens and industries must collaborate to combat this pressing environmental crisis.

Stay updated with more news on air quality and pollution control measures.