The Delhi government on Sunday announced the implementation of restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) from Monday as the AQI crossed 450 for the first time this season. The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 468 at 9 pm. Notably, the GRAP-IV restrictions are implemented after the AQI crosses 450.
The decision to implement restrictions under GRAP-IV has been announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). CAQM, in its official release, stated that it has decided to invoke an 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with effect from Monday 8 am.
New restrictions under GRAP-IV
According to the 8-point action plan, these restrictions will be imposed:
- Truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services). However, all LNG/ CNG / Electric/ BS-VI Diesel trucks shall be permitted to enter Delhi
- Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, will be entirely banned from entering Delhi
- Enforcing the strict ban on plying of all BS-IV and below diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi
- Complete ban on construction and demolition activities including, public projects such as highways, roads and flyovers, among others
- NCR state govt. and GNCTD may decide to discontinue physical classes even for classes VI-IX, and class XI.
- Public and private municipal offices may be directed to work with 50 per cent strength in NCR.
- Central govt employees may be directed to work from home.
- State govts may consider additional measures like the closure of colleges, and non-emergency commercial activities.