Delhi, January 16, 2025: In the capital city of India, Delhi, there has been a severe cold wave in recent days. On Wednesday morning, most parts of the national capital were covered in dense fog, causing a major disruption to air, rail, and road transport systems. Due to the dense fog, more than 300 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) were affected due to zero visibility. Some flights had to change their routes.
On the other hand, dozens of trains were delayed by 2 to 8 hours in reaching their destinations. Road traffic was also severely impacted, with vehicles colliding due to low visibility at several locations. Now, there is another bad news for Delhi residents. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has entered the severe category. As a result, GRAP-4 has been implemented in Delhi NCR. This means that schools will operate in hybrid mode, factories will have to shut down, and there will be strict restrictions on vehicle movement.
On Wednesday morning, the situation was like night due to dense fog, which severely reduced visibility. As a result, air, road, and rail transportation were all disrupted. Delhi’s AQI level reached the severe category, with the AQI recorded above 400. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to implement GRAP-4 in Delhi NCR. Following this decision, several restrictions were enforced. Schools will now operate in hybrid mode, factories must shut down, and various restrictions on vehicles will be applied to control air pollution.
Restrictions Imposed:
- Schools will remain closed, and classes will shift to hybrid and online modes.
- Construction work will be halted, including digging, boring, and ceiling work.
- Welding and gas cutting work will be banned.
- Cementing, plastering, and coating work will be restricted.
- Only 50% of office staff will work on-site, while others will work from home.
- Entry of heavy vehicles will be banned, except for essential goods, CNG, and electric trucks.
- BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles will be restricted.
GRAP Rules:
The air quality in Delhi has worsened, and the AQI has reached the severe category. Based on its impact on health, air quality is divided into four levels:
- GRAP-1: Implemented when AQI is between 201-300 (Poor).
- GRAP-2: Applied when AQI is between 301-400 (Very Poor).
- GRAP-3: Applied when AQI is between 401-450 (Severe).
- GRAP-4: Activated when AQI exceeds 450 (Very Severe).
Summary: Delhi faces severe air pollution, with AQI over 400. GRAP-4 restrictions include school closures, factory shutdowns, construction bans, and vehicle limitations to combat pollution.