GRAP-4 restrictions have been re-imposed due to severe air quality in Delhi-NCR. The move came after the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped on Monday night. Delhi’s AQI was at 399 at 9 pm, which crossed 400 at 10 pm. As a result, the air quality came into the ‘severe+’ category, in view of which it was decided to implement the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in an emergency meeting. Under this phase, all construction work has been stopped and diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods have been banned from entering Delhi.
CAQM has implemented the fourth phase of GRAP as per the directions of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s directions were that if the AQI crosses 350, then third phase measures should be implemented and if it crosses 400, fourth phase measures should be adopted. Air quality is currently being continuously monitored in Delhi as the index has been recorded to be increasing.
Experts believe that if the weather conditions do not improve, the situation can turn serious. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors and use masks when going out.
Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 421 at 7 am today. Many areas including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana recorded AQI between 400 and 470, indicating extremely dangerous air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board has classified it in the “very poor” category. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Delhi was 5 degrees Celsius.