Delhi GRAP IV Implementation: Complete Guide to Restrictions and Exemptions During Severe Air Pollution

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) has reached the 'severe' category, prompting immediate action from authorities.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat hazardous winter pollution across Delhi-NCR. This seasonal deterioration in air quality stems from a combination of stagnant weather patterns, vehicle emissions, firecracker usage, and agricultural stubble burning.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI between 0-50 is classified as 'good,' while readings escalating from 'poor' (201-300) to 'severe' (401-500) necessitate emergency interventions. GRAP IV was activated last week after Delhi's AQI consistently remained in the severe category.

Here's a comprehensive list of what remains operational and what faces restrictions during this period:

Closed or Restricted Activities:

Schools: The Delhi government has suspended physical classes for students from nursery to class 5. Unlike previous arrangements where parents could choose between in-person or online attendance, online learning is now mandatory for these grades. Students in classes 6 to 9 and 11 continue in hybrid mode, with the option to attend remotely.

Offices: Both government and private workplaces must operate with only 50% on-site staff capacity, with the remainder working remotely. Private organizations have been encouraged to implement flexible working schedules where feasible.

Vehicle Restrictions: Beginning December 18, only Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles will be permitted to enter Delhi. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced this measure, effectively prohibiting all non-BS-6 vehicles from entering the capital.

Fuel Restrictions: From December 18, vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates will be denied refueling at Delhi's petrol stations. Surveillance cameras at fuel stations will automatically identify non-compliant vehicles.

Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities have been suspended, including linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines, and telecommunication works that would normally be permitted under lower GRAP stages.

Tandoor Prohibition: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has instructed restaurants and food establishments to cease using coal and firewood tandoors. Only electric or gas-operated tandoors are permitted, with strict compliance required.

What Remains Operational:

Public Transportation: Authorities have urged Delhi residents to utilize public transport options, including the Metro and DTC buses, for daily commuting.

Permitted Vehicles: All LNG, CNG, Electric, and BS-VI Diesel trucks maintain entry permission into Delhi.

Transportation Hubs: Barring severe environmental conditions such as dense smog or poor visibility, airports and railway stations across the country continue normal operations.

Essential Services: Public and private healthcare facilities, fire services, prisons, utilities (electricity and water), sanitation services, municipal operations, and disaster management services remain fully functional.

Additional Exemptions: Departments and agencies involved in environmental monitoring, pollution control, enforcement activities (including teams addressing biomass burning and dust control), and other essential emergency services are exempt from GRAP IV restrictions.