 "With AQI near severe, Delhi enforces select GRAP 4 restrictions at stage 3. Image: Reuters")
As Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has said that certain measures from Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) will now be implemented under Grap 3.
Announcing the changes in Grap 3, the CAQM referred to the Supreme Court’s November 19 observation, which urged the Commission to take proactive steps after consulting stakeholders to prevent any further deterioration in Delhi-NCR’s air quality.
Which Grap 4 measures will come under Grap 3?
According to CAQM, the following Stage 4 steps will now be enforced at Stage 3:
NCR state governments and the GNCTD may decide on allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate with 50% staff strength, with the remaining employees working from home.
The Central Government may take a similar decision for employees in central government offices.
Revised Grap measures
Delhi recorded an overall AQI of 360 on Saturday morning, with conditions expected to worsen. The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that the city’s air quality could slip into the “severe” category and fluctuate between “very poor” and “severe” over the next six days, driven by stagnant winds and winter inversion.
By 10 am, the 24-hour rolling average AQI stood at 361 — still “very poor” and inching toward “severe”. This was slightly lower than Friday evening’s reading of 364.
Other restrictions under Grap 3
With Grap 3 in force, non-essential construction and demolition activities remain suspended. Restrictions also apply to certain vehicle categories, including those below the Bharat Stage (BS)-IV emission norms. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly in the early morning and late evening.
The Delhi government on Friday also directed all schools and educational institutions to refrain from conducting sports or any other outdoor physical activities.