Delhi-NCR Chokes: GRAP 4 Enforced as Air Quality Slips into 'Severe Plus' Category

Delhi's air quality crisis deepened on Saturday as pollution levels pushed authorities to invoke the strictest curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region. With toxic smog hanging heavy over the city, regulators moved swiftly to prevent conditions from worsening further.

The Commission for Air Quality Management's Sub-Committee on GRAP announced that all measures under Stage IV would come into force immediately across Delhi-NCR after air quality slipped into the 'Severe Plus' bracket.

GRAP Stage IV Activated Across NCR

Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan is enforced when the Air Quality Index breaches the 450 mark, a level considered extremely hazardous for public health. Although the AQI stood at 448 at 7 pm on Saturday, the rising trend prompted authorities to act preemptively.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that the 24-hour average AQI had already reached 349, falling in the 'very poor' category, a day earlier at 4 pm. Officials cited worsening conditions and unfavourable meteorological factors behind the decision to tighten restrictions.

Air Quality Forecast Remains Grim

According to projections by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, pollution levels are unlikely to ease immediately. The forecast indicates that air quality will remain in the severe category on Sunday before marginally improving to the very poor range on Monday.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, especially among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses.

Tougher Rules to Apply Earlier

Alongside the enforcement of Stage IV, authorities have also advanced the thresholds for several GRAP stages to ensure faster intervention as pollution rises.

Under the revised framework, Stage IV measures have been brought forward to Stage III. This means public, municipal and private offices will now function with only 50 percent staff strength, while central government offices will shift to work from home once AQI enters the 301 to 400 range, instead of waiting for it to exceed 450.

Office Timings and Power Supply Curbs Revised

Similarly, Stage III measures have been moved to Stage II. As a result, staggered working hours for government offices will now come into effect when AQI falls between 201 and 300.

Stage II measures have also been advanced to Stage I. This change ensures uninterrupted power supply at an earlier stage, aimed at reducing the use of diesel generator sets once AQI reaches the 101 to 200 band.

Authorities said the revised structure is designed to respond faster to rising pollution and limit prolonged exposure for residents as Delhi-NCR continues to battle hazardous air quality levels.