What is GRAP? Delhi Activates Stage IV As AQI Hits 'Severe Plus'—Full List Of Restrictions On Vehicles, Construction, And Offices

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is an emergency pollution management framework that mandates progressively stricter measures based on the Delhi-NCR Air Quality Index (AQI). When the AQI crosses the 450 mark, the highest alert, GRAP Stage IV, is invoked, triggering the most severe restrictions to curb emissions immediately. These emergency measures target major polluting sectors like transport, construction, and industry to protect public health during the 'Severe Plus' air quality phase.

Delhi Activates GRAP Stage IV As AQI Hits 'Severe Plus'

What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive emergency framework approved by the Supreme Court of India. It mandates a set of pre-defined, progressively stricter measures to be implemented across the Delhi-NCR region to prevent further deterioration of air quality once pollution levels reach specific thresholds. GRAP is managed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and is designed to be proactive, ensuring actions are enforced immediately as the Air Quality Index (AQI) worsens. Stage IV is the most severe level, activated when the AQI breaches the 450 mark, categorised as 'Severe Plus.'

Emergency Curbs Under GRAP Stage IV

The invocation of GRAP Stage IV triggers the strictest possible measures across various sectors to drastically reduce emissions:

1. Vehicle and Transport Restrictions:

• Complete ban on the operation of non-essential BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers across Delhi and NCR districts.
• Ban on the entry of diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Vehicles running on CNG, LNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel are exempted.
• Authorities may also consider additional emergency steps, such as the introduction of the Odd-Even traffic scheme, if the situation persists.

2. Construction and Industrial Activity:

• There is a complete ban on all Construction and Demolition activities, including even linear public projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines, which may have been previously exempt in lower GRAP stages.
• Industrial operations using polluting fuels like coal, furnace oil, or other unapproved fuels are strictly banned.
• The use of diesel generator sets is prohibited, except for essential and emergency services like hospitals, data centres, and telecom.

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3. Offices, Schools, and Public Life:

• Government and private offices are directed to operate with only 50% staff capacity in offices, with the remaining staff encouraged or mandated to Work From Home (WFH) to reduce vehicular traffic.
• Schools may shift to online or hybrid classes, particularly for younger students (up to Class IX and Class XI), to minimise exposure to the hazardous air.
• All outdoor physical sports activities are typically suspended due to the severe health risks associated with exercising in 'Severe Plus' air quality.

4. Exemptions:

• Crucial infrastructure projects related to national security, defence, hospitals, railways, and metro services are permitted to continue, but only under strict dust control measures.
• Essential services like food, medical supplies, power, water and public transport like buses and metro remain operational.

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