What is GRAP Stage IV? Check Its Full Form and What Includes to Control Delhi-NCR Pollution

GRAP Stage 4, or the Graded Response Action Plan Stage 4, corresponds to some of the most severe measures the Delhi-NCR city is subjected to following extreme levels of air pollution. When the AQI crosses 450, it sets the "severe plus" category. Improvement in the air quality was a significant factor following the last imposition of GRAP Stage 4, during which the AQI reached 484 on November 18, 2024.

Important Elements of GRAP Level IV

The action plan comprises eight interventions which focus on pollution control measures:

• Restrictions on Truck Entering Delhi: No trucks other than those carrying essential commodities and running on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG or BS-VI diesel shall be allowed to enter Delhi. This includes prohibition of entry of Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles registered in Delhi and driven by diesel. An exception may be made to such MGVs/HGVs if they are engaged in providing essential services.
• Prohibition of Non-Essential Vehicles: Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are banned unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles carrying essential items.
• Suspension of Construction Activities: All construction and demolition activities are halted, including those for public infrastructure projects like highways and power lines.
• Work-from-Home Mandate: Offices of the National Capital Region shall operate at 50 percent capacity while the remaining members shall work from home in order to minimize commuter emissions.
• Online Classes for Students: The Department shall recommend online classes to all schools for the students in grades VI to IX, and class XI while physical classes for the students in grades X and XII shall be conducted.
• Health Warnings: Children and the elderly have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible because the air pollution is hazardous to their health.
• State Government Authorities: The state governments have the authority to impose more stringent emergency measures that also include school closure or banning the plying of vehicles on odd-even registration numbers.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: The Commission for Air Quality Management, CAQM, is monitoring air quality in real-time coupled with enhanced forecasts to direct adjustments in measures from time to time, as and when warranted.

These measures reflect an urgent response that addresses extreme air pollution in the region, thereby reducing health risks associated with the same and ultimately improving overall air quality in Delhi-NCR.

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