GRAP-IV restrictions imposed in Delhi from Monday as air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday announced the enforcement of Phase IV (Severe+) measures under the revised Graduated response action plan (JOKE) in Delhi-NCR. The measures will come into effect from 8am on Monday 18 November, stepping up efforts to tackle deteriorating air quality in the region. As part of the measures, Delhi CM Atishi tweeted that physical classes will be suspended for all students except those in classes 10 and 12, with schools moving to online classes until further notice.

This decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the GRAP sub-committee on November 17, where the current air quality, meteorological conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) were reviewed. The subcommittee had previously called for Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III actions on October 14, October 21, and November 14, respectively.

As part of the Phase IV measures, the Delhi government (GNCTD) has been advised to consider switching physical classes for classes VI to IX and XI to online mode. Authorities are also urged to implement a 50% staffing policy for public, municipal and private offices, allowing the remaining employees to work remotely.

As per the new order, only trucks carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric) will be allowed to enter Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, except electric vehicles and CNG or BS-VI diesel vehicles, will also be banned.
Moreover, in Delhi, BS-IV or older diesel-powered medium and heavy trucks are banned, except vehicles involved in essential services. All construction activities, including those related to highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines and other public projects, have been suspended.
The decision came after a high-level review meeting chaired by CAQM member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee on Saturday. Officials emphasized the critical need for strict enforcement of GRAP measures, especially as we approach the winter months, which typically bring higher pollution levels.
The actions of Phase IV build on the measures implemented in Phases I, II and III and which remain in force. Daily reports from executive authorities are monitored through the GRAP Monitoring Control Room, underscoring the need for immediate, coordinated action to combat air pollution.
In a bid to ensure effective implementation of Phase IV measures under the GRAP-IV in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai will hold a crucial meeting with Heads of Departments (HoDs) of all concerned departments.
According to a statement from the office of the Delhi Environment Minister, the meeting will be held tomorrow at 12 noon at the Delhi Secretariat.
The CAQM has reiterated the importance of strict compliance with the GRAP guidelines, available on its official website, and urged enforcement agencies to take decisive steps to reduce pollution.