Stricter pollution rules under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been enforced in Delhi-NCRafter the air quality slipped into the “severe” category on Saturday evening, January 17. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced this move a day after already putting Stage 3 restrictions in place.
Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index(AQI) on Saturday was 354, which falls in the “very poor” category, but by 6 pm it worsened to 416, entering the “severe” range. Under GRAP, air quality levels are labelled as poor (AQI 201–300), very poor (301–400), severe (401–450) and severe plus (above 450).
Heavy fog, smog and cold grip the region
This rise in pollution comes at a time when the region is dealing with heavy fog, which turns into smog due to smoke and particulate matter, along with intense winter cold.
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As of 5:30 am today, January 18, Delhi’s AQI stood at 437, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer App.
Officials expect air to worsen further
“Forecasts indicate that due to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, unfavourable weather parameters and lack of dispersal of pollutants, Delhi’s average AQI is likely to breach the 400-mark and enter the severe category in the coming days,” PTI quoted a senior official as saying.
Earlier, Stage 3 restrictions were lifted on January 2 after a brief improvement in air quality, while Stages 1 and 2 continued. But the situation worsened again by Friday and today.
On the weather front, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday – 3.2 degrees below the season’s normal – according to the India Meteorological Department(IMD).
Dense fog covered parts of the city on Saturday morning, but the maximum temperature rose to 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is five degrees above normal.
What’s allowed and what’s not under GRAP stage 4
All petrol, diesel and CNG stations in Delhi will now supply fuel only to vehicles that show a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Vehicles identified through ANPR cameras or other methods and found refuelling without a PUCC will face penalties. Verification can be done through physical certificates or through electronic systems like VAHAN.
These rules will not apply to emergency vehicles on sovereign duty, such as ambulances, fire tenders and police vehicles. Vehicles carrying essential goods or providing essential services notified by authorities are also exempt.
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During GRAP Stage IV (severe+), vehicles registered outside Delhi and not compliant with BS-VI norms will not be allowed to operate in the city. CNG and electric vehicles, public transport, and vehicles carrying essential goods are exempt.
Trucks and carriers transporting construction materials – sand, stones, bricks, cement, ready-mix concrete, debris and similar items – will not be allowed to enter Delhi while Stage IV is in force. Violators will face heavy penalties or seizure as per rules. |
