New Delhi, January 15, 2025 — The Commission for Air Quality Management has resurrected Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, across Delhi and the National Capital Region, in response to a notable degradation in the air quality.
This comes as the Air Quality Index enters a ‘severe’ category with readings creeping closer to 400, indicating a high level of pollution that could endanger the health of living beings.
Background and Current Air Quality Status
Delhi-NCR has faced alarming air pollution levels while the increased window of dense fog allowed the atmosphere to trap various pollutants very close to the ground. The imposition of Stage IV measures by the CAQM is aimed at restraining any further incidents of a further deterioration of air quality and shelter public health.
As reported lately, the AQI is knocking at the door of running past the 400-mark and this calls for immediate and stringent interventions.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP Stage IV
The reimposed restrictions of Stage IV contain a range of measures to reduce the level of air pollution:
- Trucks: No trucks shall be allowed to enter Delhi except those trucks carrying essential goods. However, trucks running on LNG/CNG/electric power and BS-VI diesel trucks are an exception.
- Educational Institutions: The authorities at the discretion may close schools physically for Classes 1-12 that could switch to online school offsetting exposure to polluted air.
- Work-from-Home Instructions: The work-from-home policy could be politely followed by states for 50 percent of their workforce to restrain transportation-related pollution.
- All construction activities: All construction and demolition activities are stopped to ease the dust and particulate matter in the air.
- Industrial Activities: Certain industrial activities that massively contribute to air pollution are restrained during this period.
Air Pollution Scenario
The CAQM had on January 12 earlier revoked Stage III measures with improved air quality owing to favorable weather conditions such as rain. However, pollution has once again spiked, prompting the reinstatement of stricter measures.
The CAQM has all relevant agencies in NCR implement, monitor, and regularly review the GRAP actions to enforce compliance and assess the efficacy of the measures.
Health Advisory and General Response
Residents were advised against outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory diseases. The public is also encouraged to wear masks or use air purifiers to limit health risks.
Mixed reactions were expressed at the reimposition of restrictions, with some residents pointing to possible adverse impacts on daily lives and economic activities whereas others understand this necessity to protect public health.
Long-Term Solutions
In the opinion of experts, whereas GRAP sets a much-needed frame for taking emergency action concerning acute episodes of pollution, sound; long-term strategies must also be sought after to address the systemic causes of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR.
Technological interventions such as drone monitoring and cloud seeding to cause artificial rain were considered; however, they provide only temporary fixes for these larger problems. A sustained solution will require cooperation to reduce emissions from vehicles, industries, and agriculture.
Reinstating GRAP Stage VI restrictions is a stark reminder of the serious air pollution crisis in the Delhi-NCR. While these restrictions aim at providing short-term relief, it has become imperative to address the root causes in order to ensure improvement in air quality in the long run and safeguard public health.
