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Choking in Capital: Delhi Faces Severe Air Quality Crisis, Restrictions Under GRAP-IV Enforced

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI skyrocketed to 441 by 4 PM on Sunday, escalating to 457 by 7 PM, putting the city in the ‘severe plus’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP-IV measures to address the worsening pollution, citing the need to prevent further deterioration.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Nov 18, 2024

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Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels, prompting the implementation of stringent anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV). The Capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels, with many areas reporting ‘severe’ conditions, severely impacting public health. 

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI skyrocketed to 441 by 4 PM on Sunday, escalating to 457 by 7 PM, putting the city in the ‘severe plus’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP-IV measures to address the worsening pollution, citing the need to prevent further deterioration. 

The measures, which came into effect at 8 AM on November 18, include the suspension of construction activities, truck bans, and restrictions on non-essential vehicles. “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality of NCR, and to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP,” said the CAQM. 

Key Measures Under GRAP-IV 

• School Closures and Online Classes: The Delhi government announced the suspension of physical classes for students up to Class IX and XI. Online learning will continue for these students, while Classes X and XII will maintain in-person sessions. 

• Vehicle Restrictions: All trucks, except those transporting essential goods or running on clean fuels (CNG, LNG, or BS-VI diesel), have been banned from entering Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited. 

• Construction Bans: All construction work, including public projects such as highways and flyovers, has been halted across the capital to reduce dust pollution. 

As per CPCB data, various parts of Delhi recorded AQI values well above 450, with areas such as Anand Vihar (487), Bawana (495), and Dwarka Sector 8 (500) in the ‘severe’ category. The toxic air has led to a sharp rise in respiratory and cardiovascular issues among residents, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. 

The national capital continues to grapple with high levels of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks. 

Health experts have warned of the long-term consequences of prolonged exposure to hazardous air. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and avoid physical exertion. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over the delay in implementing air quality measures, emphasizing the need for immediate action. 

Supreme Court Steps In to Address the Crisis 

On Monday, the Supreme Court intervened in the pollution crisis, sharply criticizing the Delhi government and the CAQM for the delayed enforcement of GRAP measures. “We are making it clear. You will not go below Stage IV without the permission of this court,” stated the bench, stressing that Stage IV restrictions will remain until further notice. 

The court also questioned the delay in invoking GRAP measures when AQI levels hit the 300-400 range, calling it a lapse in action. “How can you take risks in such matters of delaying the applicability of GRAP?” said Justice Abhay S. Oka. 

Delhi was not the only city grappling with severe pollution levels on Sunday. Nearby areas like Haryana’s Bahadurgah (445 AQI) and Rajasthan’s Bikaner (404 AQI) also recorded hazardous air quality. 

The CPCB’s data indicated that vehicular emissions and stubble burning in neighboring states were major contributors to the pollution spike. 

As the crisis continues, the Supreme Court will resume hearings, addressing the urgent need for effective and timely action to mitigate the environmental health emergency in the National Capital Region.