Sun Nov 17 21:08:13 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Implements GRAP Stage 4 Amid Severe Air Pollution

**New Delhi, Nov 17, 2024** – Delhi has implemented Stage 4 of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to severely deteriorating air quality. The move, effective immediately, introduces a raft of restrictions aimed at curbing pollution levels, which reached a concerning 457 on Sunday evening.

Key restrictions under GRAP Stage 4 include:

* **Vehicle Restrictions:** Entry of all trucks into Delhi is banned, except for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services, and those running on CNG or electricity. Similarly, light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited entry, barring those transporting essential goods or performing essential services. Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) registered in Delhi are also restricted.

* **School Closures:** All schools will be closed for physical classes, except for students in classes 10 and 12. Online classes will continue until further notice. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has suggested online classes for students in classes 6-9 and 11.

* **Construction Halt:** All construction activities, including those on highways, roads, flyovers, and other public projects, are temporarily suspended.

* **Work from Home:** The CAQM recommended that offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a “severe” level of 441 at 4 PM on Sunday, worsening to 457 by 7 PM due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a meeting with relevant departments at 12 PM on Monday to enforce GRAP-4 regulations, followed by a press conference at 1 PM. An orange alert has also been issued in anticipation of dense fog and dropping temperatures.

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