Delhi is facing a pollution crisis as dense fog and an air quality index (AQI) dangerously close to the ‘severe’ category prompt the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reintroduce stricter pollution measures under GRAP-3 and GRAP-4. These measures were only revoked recently, with the AQI at 396 at 6 pm and expected to exceed the 400 mark.

In response to the deteriorating air quality and in compliance with Supreme Court orders, the CAQM has immediately enforced all actions under Stage-III ('Severe' air quality) and Stage-IV ('Severe+' air quality) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), alongside existing measures under Stage-I and II.

Key measures include:

• Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars are banned from operating in Delhi and NCR.
• School Closures: Physical classes for students may be halted, except for those in classes 10 and 12.
• Work-from-home Policies: The Delhi and NCR governments will decide if 50% of employees in government, municipal, and private offices should work from home. The central government has the discretion to decide for its employees.
• Truck Restrictions: Entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi is prohibited, with exceptions for essential services and trucks running on LNG/CNG or BS-VI diesel.
• Additional Measures: States may close colleges, halt non-essential commercial activities, and implement vehicle restrictions, including the odd-even rule for cars.

These curbs aim to curb the further deterioration of air quality and mitigate health risks for residents of Delhi and the surrounding areas.