GRAP 4 Restrictions Delhi NCR: The pollution level in the country’s capital Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has once again reached dangerous levels. Four days in a row ‘extremely bad’ After breathing the air, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 437 on Sunday morning with ‘severe’ Entered in category.

The problem of air pollution is continuously deepening in Delhi-NCR. A sharp decline in air quality was recorded on Saturday, after which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to implement GRAP-4 restrictions with immediate effect. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the index which was at 400 at 4 pm on Saturday, rose to 428 by 8 pm and reached 437 on Sunday morning. According to air quality standards, an index between 401 and 500 is considered ‘severe’ It is believed that it is not only fatal for sick people but also causes great harm to the health of a healthy person.

Pollution hotspots: Stifling air in many areas

The pollution level in many areas of Delhi has reached close to 500, which is a very worrying situation. According to the data, the AQI situation in major areas of the capital was as follows:

• Anand Vihar: 491

• Mundka: 485

• Rohini: 484

• Wazirpur: 481

• Punjabi Bagh: 476

• Bawana: 473

• Sonia Vihar: 475

• Ashok Vihar and RKpuram: 468

Apart from this, the air quality in areas like ITO (450), Lodhi Road (414) and Najafgarh (407) was also ‘severe’. Remains in the category.

Grap-4 implemented: ban on entry of trucks and strict rules

In view of the increasing pollution, the sub-committee of Grape has held an emergency meeting and directed to implement all the actions of Stage-4. Under this the following main restrictions have been imposed:

• Entry of trucks banned: Entry of BS-IV trucks has been completely banned in Delhi.


• Who will get the exemption: Only trucks carrying essential commodities, vehicles associated with emergency services and CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed to enter.


• Strictness on old diesel vehicles: Entry of BS-III and older diesel commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi is completely prohibited, even if they are connected to essential services.


• Instructions to agencies: The Commission has directed all concerned departments to ensure strict adherence to all the rules from Grape-1 to Grape-4.

Threat to health and future forecast

Forecasters from the Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM have warned that the air quality may deteriorate further in the coming days. Experts say that when AQI crosses 400, it causes serious respiratory diseases. Only air between zero and 50 is considered ‘clean’ It is believed that the current situation is eight times worse than normal. Officials have also appealed to citizens to follow the guidelines issued to reduce pollution and stay indoors as much as possible.