As a thick blanket of smog continued to engulf Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee has decided to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-National Capital Region, that will come into effect from Monday at 8 am, owing to ‘severe’ air quality conditions which include complete halting of construction and demolition activities that generate dust and a ban on truck entry.
Additionally, the government can choose to impose Odd-Even restrictions. The Commission issued the order as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened, reaching 457 at 8 pm. Due to unfavourable weather conditions and dense fog, visibility reduced to less than 50 metres in some parts of the National Capital, leading to disruptions in flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, warning of dense fog on Monday morning. The decision to impose GRAP Stage IV was taken by the CAQM after meeting with all stakeholders on Sunday.
According to the order, no trucks will be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones. Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for those in essential services, the Commission said in its order. The CAQM order will be applicable for the NCR.