Sat Dec 13 14:34:52 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution: Stage 4 Restrictions Imposed
New Delhi – December 13, 2025 – A thick blanket of smog has descended upon the national capital, triggering the implementation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The decision was made as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 441 at 6 p.m. today, pushing air quality into the “Severe+” category.
This escalation comes just a day after Stage 3 restrictions were put in place, highlighting the rapid deterioration attributed to slow wind speeds and unfavorable weather conditions.
Under GRAP-IV, a range of stringent measures are now in effect across the National Capital Region (NCR). These include a ban on all construction activities, a prohibition on the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and the mandatory shift of school classes to a hybrid mode, with the exception of grades 10 and 12.
Furthermore, non-essential diesel trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles are prohibited, excluding those providing essential services.
Earlier in the day, the AQI had already reached a concerning level of 397, teetering on the edge of the “severe” category. The implementation of Stage 4 GRAP aims to curb further deterioration of air quality and protect the health of residents amidst the ongoing crisis. The public is urged to adhere to the new regulations to mitigate the effects of the pollution.
First Piper 