Once again, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated to hazardous levels. As a result, the Central Government's committee on pollution has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Accordingly, several restrictions have been tightened across Delhi-NCR. Based on the Supreme Court's current orders, GRAP Stage IV and Stage III commence in the NCR at AQI levels of 400 and 350 respectively.
According to the daily AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's AQI stands at 386 today, Wednesday, placing it in the 'very poor' category (AQI between 301-400).
The sub-committee on GRAP from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) observed that while Delhi's AQI was recorded at 275 on 14.01.2025, it surged on 15.01.2025 due to dense fog conditions and low temperatures which severely hinder pollutant dispersion because of reduced mixing height and ventilation coefficient.
The sub-committee further analyzed the air quality scenario and noted a rapid increase in pollutant concentration due to adverse weather conditions, with AQI rising to 393 by 5:00 PM and 396 by 6:00 PM. The air quality index, as forecasted by IMD/IITM, is likely to exceed 400.
To prevent further degradation of air quality in the region, the sub-committee has decided to implement the revised GRAP Stage III with a 9-point action plan and Stage IV with a 7-point action plan across the entire NCR with immediate effect.
1. Complete ban on the movement of all types of trucks. 2. Exemption only for trucks related to essential services. 3. All construction and demolition activities are prohibited, including development projects. 4. Classes in all schools will operate in hybrid mode (online and physical). 5. Government offices to function at 50% capacity, with provisions for employees to work from home.
