In response to a rapid deterioration in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). The decision comes as the region’s pollution levels slipped into the ‘severe plus’ category, necessitating immediate and stringent intervention.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP convened to assess the prevailing pollution trends before announcing the enforcement of these emergency measures. Stage IV is the highest level of alert under the plan and is triggered specifically when Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses the critical 450 mark.
Pollution Levels Spike
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted the severity of the situation. By 7 pm on Saturday, the AQI had climbed to 448, inching dangerously close to the 450 threshold. This marked a significant jump from the previous day, where the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 pm stood at 349, categorised as ‘very poor’.
Forecasts provided by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS) indicate that relief is not immediate. The air quality is expected to remain in the severe category throughout Sunday, with a potential improvement to the ‘very poor’ category likely only by Monday.
Revamped GRAP Rules
The implementation of Stage IV follows recent revisions to the GRAP framework, which aim to preemptively tackle rising pollution. The severity levels for triggering specific actions have been brought forward to ensure tougher rules apply sooner.
Under the revised system, measures previously reserved for Stage 4 have been shifted to Stage 3. This adjustment mandates that public, municipal, and private offices operate at 50% staff strength. Furthermore, central government offices are now required to switch to work-from-home protocols when the AQI enters the Stage 3 range of 301–400, rather than waiting for the severe 450 mark.
Similarly, protocols formerly under Stage 3 have been moved to Stage 2. Consequently, staggered timings for government offices will now be enforced when the AQI falls within the 201–300 band. Additionally, measures ensuring uninterrupted power supply to curb the use of diesel generators—previously a Stage 2 action—will now come into effect earlier, during Stage 1, when the AQI is between 101 and 200.
The immediate enforcement of Stage IV reflects the administration’s urgency in mitigating the hazardous health impacts of the current smog episode enveloping the capital.
