As Delhi continues to struggle with air pollution, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has announced the implementation of Phase IV measures across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect on Saturday, December 13.
The decision comes hours after GRAP III measures were introduced in the region amid rising pollution levels.
When is GRAP IV implemented?
Stage IV GRAP is introduced when air quality enters the “Severe+” category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a value of 450.
What restrictions fall under GRAP IV?
Here is the list of restrictions that fall under GRAP IV, according to CAQM –
Vehicle restrictions
Entry of trucks into Delhi will be restricted, except for those carrying essential commodities providing essential services. However, all LNG, CNG, electric and diesel BS-VI trucks are allowed to enter Delhi.
Who will implement?
This rule will be implemented by the State Government, Traffic Commissioners, Heads of Urban Local Bodies in the cities of Delhi-NCR and the Commissioner of Police or Head of Traffic Police in the region.
Read also | GRAP-4 returns: Will schools and colleges remain closed in Delhi?
Prohibition of certain vehicles
The authorities will enforce a strict ban on Delhi-registered BS-IV diesel and below heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services.
Who will implement?
This measure will be implemented by the state governments of NCR and GNCTD, traffic commissioners, police commissioner / head of traffic police of Delhi and NCR cities.
Prohibition of construction activities
Prohibition of construction activities, similar to III. of the GRAP stage, also applies to linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, bridges, transmission lines, pipelines, telecommunication infrastructure, etc.
Who will implement?
The authorities responsible for the implementation of this rule are the Chairpersons of CPCB, DPCC and SPCB as well as Commissioners or Chief Engineers of Urban Local Bodies in Delhi-NCR and Nodal Officers of Road Owning Agencies (Dust Control and Management Cells).
Read also | As the pollution crisis deepens, curbs have been used in Phase IV GRAP in Delhi-NCR
Will schools hold classes?
State governments in NCR and GNCTD are mandated to conduct classes in children’s schools, including higher classes like VI to IX and XI, in ‘hybrid’ mode – both physical and online (if possible) in NCT territorial jurisdiction of Delhi and Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar districts.
NCR state governments could also consider running courses in a ‘hybrid’ mode for students in other NCR regions.
It should be noted that the option to use online education, if available, must be available to students and their guardians.
Other emergency measures
State governments may consider other emergency measures such as closing colleges and educational institutions, ending non-essential commercial activities, allowing vehicles to be operated on the basis of odd-even registration numbers, etc.
What must residents do?
CAQM advises children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic conditions to avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors as much as possible and wear a mask.
