As the air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorates to alarming levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken the critical step of invoking Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8:00 AM on November 18, 2024. This action is in response to a drastic rise in the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached 441 at 4:00 PM today, and further surged to 457 by 7:00 PM. With the AQI crossing the ‘Severe+’ threshold, immediate measures are essential to prevent further deterioration of air quality and safeguard public health.
Here’s a table summarizing the GRAP stages and health statements for different AQI categories:
Why Stage-IV of GRAP Was Triggered
The primary trigger for invoking Stage-IV was the sudden spike in AQI due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds. These conditions have led to a build-up of pollutants in the atmosphere, causing the air quality to worsen rapidly. The air quality situation in Delhi-NCR has reached a point where immediate and stringent actions are needed to prevent further harm to the environment and residents.
Today’s AQI trends were alarming: starting at 441 at 4:00 PM, it steadily worsened, peaking at 457 by 7:00 PM. The consistent rise in AQI levels indicated that the region was entering a “Severe+” category, with air quality levels posing significant risks to health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
What Does Stage-IV of GRAP Entail?
Stage-IV, labeled as ‘Severe+’, is the most stringent level in the revised GRAP, activated when the AQI exceeds 450. It involves a set of tough actions aimed at reducing pollution and mitigating its impact. These measures will be implemented across the entire NCR, starting tomorrow, in addition to all actions already underway under Stage-I, Stage-II, and Stage-III of GRAP. Here’s an outline of the key actions under Stage-IV:
- Truck Traffic Restrictions: Stop entry of truck traffic into Delhi, except trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Only LNG, CNG, Electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed entry.
- LCVs Restrictions: Do not permit Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi (except EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel) to enter Delhi, unless they carry essential goods or provide essential services.
- Ban on Polluting Vehicles: Enforce a ban on Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), except for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services.
- Ban on Construction & Demolition (C&D) Activities: Continue the ban on C&D activities, including linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission, pipelines, etc.
- Closure of Physical Classes: NCR State Governments and GNCTD may decide to discontinue physical classes for students in classes VI–IX and class XI, shifting to online lessons.
- Work from Home for Offices: NCR State Governments/GNCTD may implement a 50% workforce policy for public, municipal, and private offices, with the rest working from home.
- Central Government Work from Home: The Central Government may allow employees in central government offices to work from home.
- Additional Emergency Measures: State Governments may introduce further emergency measures, such as closing educational institutions, halting non-emergency commercial activities, or implementing an odd-even vehicle scheme based on registration numbers.
The Importance of Immediate Action
The decision to invoke Stage-IV is not just a regulatory measure, but a necessary step to protect public health. The AQI in Delhi has already crossed the 450 mark, making outdoor air hazardous to breathe, especially for those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Continuous exposure to such poor air quality can exacerbate pre-existing health issues, trigger respiratory distress, and even lead to severe conditions like asthma or heart attacks.
Moreover, the adverse effects of pollution are not limited to human health alone. The environment too suffers greatly, with rising pollution levels contributing to smog, impaired visibility, and damage to plant life and water sources. If left unchecked, such pollution can further degrade air quality, leading to long-term environmental damage.
A Collective Effort for Clean Air
While government agencies and various boards will enforce these stringent measures, the role of citizens is equally critical in the fight against air pollution. Simple actions like reducing vehicle usage, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and adopting cleaner modes of transport can significantly contribute to reducing the AQI.
In this fight for cleaner air, everyone—governments, agencies, and citizens alike—must work together. The responsibility to improve air quality rests not just with the authorities but with each individual who can make a difference by adopting sustainable habits.
The implementation of Stage-IV of GRAP is a crucial step toward curbing the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, but it will only be effective if all stakeholders, including the citizens, play their part. The coming days will be challenging, but with collective action, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
source-PIB