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Delhi-NCR Imposes Stage-IV Curbs as AQI Nears Severe+ Pollution Mark

The Commission for Air Quality Management has reimposed Stage-IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan as Delhi's AQI surged to 428, dangerously close to the Severe+ category. The curbs include a ban on non-BS-VI and non-Delhi registered vehicles entering the capital and a complete halt on construction and demolition activities. Offices are advised to implement at least 50% work-from-home, and schools may shift to online classes for certain grades. The spike is attributed to a western disturbance and unfavorable meteorological conditions hindering pollutant dispersal.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR GRAP Stage-IV Curbs Reimposed as AQI Nears Severe+

  • Stage-IV GRAP reimposed
  • AQI at 428, nearing Severe+ threshold
  • BS-VI & non-Delhi vehicle ban
  • Construction & demolition halted
  • 50% WFH advised for offices
2 min read

Delhi-NCR tightens curbs as AQI nears 'severe+' mark

Delhi-NCR reimposes Stage-IV anti-pollution curbs under GRAP as AQI approaches Severe+ category. Restrictions include vehicle bans, construction halt, and WFH.

"the decision to invoke Stage-IV was taken unanimously as a proactive step to prevent further deterioration - CAQM Sub-Committee"

New Delhi, Jan 17

The National Capital Region has once again come under the harshest anti-pollution restrictions as the Air Quality Index surged dangerously close to the "Severe+" category on Saturday.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the reimplementation of Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing rapidly worsening conditions.

At 4 p.m., Delhi's AQI was recorded at 400, already in the "Very Poor" range. Within four hours, it climbed to 428, approaching the threshold of 450 that marks "Severe+."

Officials attributed the spike to a western disturbance, unfavorable meteorological conditions, and the lack of pollutant dispersal.

In its notification, the CAQM Sub-Committee said the decision to invoke Stage-IV was taken unanimously as a proactive step to prevent further deterioration.

Under GRAP, air quality is classified into four stages: Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450), and Severe+ (above 450).

Stage-IV restrictions, first introduced in December 2025, include a ban on vehicles entering Delhi that are not BS-VI compliant and do not carry Delhi registration.

Non-essential trucks are barred from entry, with exceptions for those carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels such as CNG, LNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel.

Construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines, are completely halted.

To protect vulnerable groups, state governments in NCR and the Delhi administration may shift classes VI to IX and XI to online mode, while Classes X and XII are generally exempted to avoid disruption to board exam preparations.

Offices-public, municipal, and private-are advised to operate with at least 50 per cent staff working from home, and staggered timings may be introduced to ease peak-hour traffic.

Authorities also retain the option of discretionary emergency measures, such as closing colleges, suspending non-essential commercial activities, or implementing odd-even vehicle rationing schemes.

The central government may extend work-from-home directives to its employees if conditions worsen further.

With Delhi's AQI inching closer to the "Severe+" mark, the reimposition of GRAP-4 reflects the urgency of tackling the capital's recurring pollution crisis, which continues to pose grave risks to public health and daily life.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The work-from-home advisory is a relief for many, but what about daily wage laborers and construction workers? Their work stops completely. The government needs a better support system for them during these shutdowns. The crisis affects everyone differently.
R
Rohit P
Finally some strict action! Banning non-BS VI vehicles is crucial. We Delhiites have been breathing poison for too long. I support the odd-even scheme if needed. Public health must come first.
S
Sarah B
Just moved to Gurgaon from abroad. The air quality is genuinely shocking. I appreciate the proactive measures, but it feels like a crisis response mode every year. Long-term urban planning with green spaces is non-negotiable.
V
Vikram M
Good step by CAQM. But implementation is key. Will trucks actually be stopped? Or will there be "exceptions" for everyone? We need transparent enforcement. Also, more incentives for electric vehicles please!
K
Kavya N
As a mother, my biggest worry is my kids' health. Shifting classes online is necessary, but online education is not the same. The government must treat this as a national health emergency and find sustainable solutions. Our future generation is growing up with weak lungs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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