Mon Nov 18 05:54:56 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution, GRAP Stage 4 Restrictions Implemented

**NEW DELHI** – Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, prompting the implementation of the strictest level of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 481, recorded Monday morning, plunged the region into the “severe plus” category, posing significant health risks.

GRAP Stage 4 has triggered a range of restrictions aimed at curbing emissions. Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below), excluding those carrying essential goods, are banned. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they run on cleaner fuels like CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Similarly, trucks transporting non-essential items are barred entry unless using LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

Schools are also affected, with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recommending that classes 6-9 and 11 shift to online learning. Offices in the NCR are advised to operate at 50% capacity, with employees working from home to reduce traffic congestion.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 32 out of 34 monitoring stations reported severe AQI levels above 400. While vehicles contributed 15.8% of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday, stubble burning was a major contributor on Saturday, accounting for 25% of the total pollution. PM2.5, a particularly harmful pollutant, remains the primary concern. The hazardous air quality poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

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