Delhi NCR Enforces Stage IV GRAP Measures Truck Bans Construction Halts School Closures as AQI hits severe to tackle worsening air pollution crisis

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the implementation of actions nether Stage-IV ('Severe+') of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) successful Delhi-NCR, effectual from 8:00 AM, November 18, 2024.This determination follows a SubCommittee reappraisal of the deteriorating aerial prime successful the region, with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded astatine 457 by 7:00 PM connected November 17, 2024. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM bespeak the AQI is apt to stay successful the "Severe+" class owed to adverse upwind conditions, dense fog, and adaptable winds.

Key Measures Under Stage-IV of GRAP:

Ban connected Truck Entry:
All trucks (except those carrying indispensable commodities/services) are barred from entering Delhi.
LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are exempt.

Restrictions connected Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs):
LCVs registered extracurricular Delhi (except EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles) are prohibited unless carrying indispensable goods/services.

Ban connected Construction Activities:
Construction and demolition (C&D) activities for nationalist projects similar highways, roads, and powerfulness lines are halted.

Closure of Schools:
Physical classes for grades VI-IX and XI whitethorn beryllium discontinued, shifting to online learning.

Reduced Office Strength:
Government and backstage offices whitethorn run with 50% staff, with the remainder moving from home.

Additional Emergency Measures:
State governments whitethorn adjacent colleges and non-essential commercialized activities oregon instrumentality an odd-even conveyance rule.

Public Advisory:
Residents are urged to adhere to GRAP measures and signifier caution. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, should minimize outdoor activities and enactment indoors arsenic overmuch arsenic possible.

The enforcement of Stage-IV measures aims to curb further deterioration of aerial prime successful the portion and support nationalist health. Authorities volition show the concern intimately and set actions arsenic needed.