GRAP-IV enforced as Delhi's air quality remains 'severe plus'; AQI climbs to 762 in some areas

The national capital on Monday continued to choke as the air qualilty remained in the 'severe plus' cateogry with GRAP-IV guidelines enforced from 8am, an 8-point action plan designed to mitigate the pollution crisis in Delhi.

The air quality index climbed to 762 in some parts of Delhi such as Jahangirpuri, according to aqicn.org. Further, AQI was at 919 in Mundka and 624 in Anand Vihar.

New Delhi grapples with smog, a toxic blend of smoke and fog, each winter as cold air traps dust, emissions and smoke from illegal farm fires.


Officials blamed high pollution, combined with humidity, calm winds and dropping temperatures for the smog, with the Indian meteorological department forecasting smog conditions and low wind speeds until Saturday.

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The city's minimum temperature is expected to drop to 14 degrees Celsius (57.2°F) on Monday, down from 15.9 degrees C the previous day, weather officials said.

GRAP-IV in place:

The Stage-IV response encompasses an 8-point action plan designed to mitigate the pollution crisis. Key measures include banning the entry of non-essential truck traffic into Delhi, except for trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.

LNG/CNG/electric and BS-VI diesel trucks will still be permitted. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will also be restricted from entering, except those powered by electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines. Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles will be prohibited from operating, except for those carrying essential services.

The Sub-Committee has also extended the ban on construction and demolition activities to include public infrastructure projects like highways, roads, flyovers, and power transmission lines.

State governments and the Government of Delhi (GNCTD) have been advised to consider shifting physical classes for students in grades VI-IX and XI to online mode and to limit office attendance to 50%, with the rest working from home. A similar work-from-home arrangement may be considered for central government employees.

Additionally, state governments have been urged to consider emergency measures such as closing colleges and non-essential commercial activities and implementing an odd-even vehicle policy to reduce pollution. The CAQM has called on citizens to cooperate with these measures and stay indoors as much as possible, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The CAQM emphasized that it is closely monitoring the air quality and will review the situation regularly to assess further action.