Mon Nov 18 00:54:30 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Choked by Thick Fog and Severe Air Pollution; GRAP Stage 4 Restrictions Imposed
**NEW DELHI** – A thick blanket of fog coupled with severe air pollution has engulfed New Delhi, causing widespread disruption. Visibility was drastically reduced on Sunday, with vehicles barely visible even at close range. The Indira Gandhi International Airport reported three flight cancellations and delays for 107 others due to the poor visibility.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 428, prompting the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) to express grave concerns. In response, the CAQM has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from Monday morning.
These stringent measures include:
* **Truck Restrictions:** A ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi, excluding those carrying essential goods and services. Only LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-IV diesel trucks will be permitted.
* **Construction Halt:** A temporary suspension of all construction projects, including those on highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, and pipelines.
* **School Closures:** Following the recommendation of online classes for classes 1-5, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that all schools will now switch to online classes until further notice, extending the measure to classes 6-9 and 11.
* **Work From Home:** The CAQM has recommended that offices in the NCR region operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home. This suggestion also extends to central government employees. The CAQM also suggested that state governments consider closing colleges and implementing odd-even vehicle restrictions.
The deteriorating air quality has prompted a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the crisis. However, the severity of the situation underlines the urgent need for long-term solutions to address Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem.
First Piper 