What's allowed and what's not from Monday when AQI reaches 'Severe+'

GRAP Phase 4 in Delhi-NCR: Amid deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Phase 4 measures have been implemented from Monday to curb emissions and combat pollution. At 7 pm on Sunday, Delhi recorded an alarming report Air quality index (AQI) of 457, placing it in the “severe plus” category.

JOKE Phase 4 in Delhi-NCR: What is allowed

Under GRAP phase 4, amid the strict restrictions aimed at curbing severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, here is what is still allowed:

Essential vehicles: Trucks transporting essential goods or providing essential services can continue to operate. Vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, electric power or BS-VI diesel will be allowed to enter Delhi.

Public transport and emergency services: Public transport services, including buses, the metro and emergency services, are allowed to operate to ensure the mobility of residents.

Online and work-from-home activities: Offices, both private and municipal, can operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of employees working from home to ensure businesses continue to function.

Educational institutions: While a recommendation has been made for schools to move to online learning, other institutions such as colleges and universities may continue with physical classes depending on government guidelines.

JOKE Phase 4 in Delhi-NCR: What is not allowed

The Centre’s Air Quality Management (CAQM) panel announced a series of bans and restrictions aimed at curbing pollution levels:

Heavy vehicle ban: Medium and heavy diesel trucks (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi are excluded, except vehicles carrying essential goods. Moreover, trucks carrying non-essential items will not be allowed to enter Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG or BS-VI diesel.

Restrictions for light commercial vehicles: Non-essential light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are banned, except vehicles running on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and carrying essential goods or services.

Construction projects halted: Public infrastructure activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, electricity transmission and pipelines, face a strict ban, with measures being extended from Phase 3 of GRAP.

Limited physical classes: The CAQM panel has also issued advice affecting schools and workplaces. All classes in schools except classes 10 and 11 will be shifted to online learning, Delhi CM Atishi announced. Before the GRAP IV restrictions, the Haryana Government on Saturday directed the temporary closure of all schools up to grade 5.

Working from home: Offices in NCR have been urged to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home. Public, municipal and private offices can operate at 50% strength, while the Union government can decide on work-from-home arrangements for its employees.

Other restrictions: State governments may consider additional steps such as closing colleges, suspending non-essential commercial activities and introducing vehicle restrictions such as odd-even schemes.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that 32 of the 34 monitoring stations in Delhi reported “severe” AQI levels higher than 400. AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as ‘severe’, while values above 450 fall into the ‘severe plus’ category, which poses significant health risks to healthy individuals and has serious consequences for those with pre-existing conditions.

The Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management noted that vehicle emissions accounted for 15.8% of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday. Stubble burning in neighboring states was also a major factor, accounting for 25% of Saturday’s total pollution. The main pollutant, PM2.5, is of particular concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks.

Authorities have urged residents, especially children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, to stay indoors as much as possible.