GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi-NCR, AQI Limits, Rules and Restrictions

What is GRAP 4?

GRAP 4 is the highest level of emergency pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR enters the Severe+ category (above 450). It imposes stringent restrictions to control pollution and prevent further deterioration in air quality.

• It is implemented under the direction of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
• It restricts the movement of trucks and other goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
• It prohibits construction and demolition activities.
• It imposes additional restrictions on industrial and other pollution-generating activities.
• Measures under GRAP 1, GRAP 2 and GRAP 3 continue to remain in force.
• The September 2026 revised GRAP schedule specifies five action points under Stage 4.

GRAP 4 Restrictions and Measures

The restrictions under GRAP 4 are designed to reduce emissions from heavy vehicles and construction activities while limiting public exposure to severe air pollution.

1. Restrictions on Truck Movement

• Entry of older trucks: Entry of BS-IV and below trucks into Delhi is prohibited under the applicable restrictions.
• Cleaner vehicles: LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are permitted to enter Delhi, subject to the applicable provisions.
• Delhi-registered goods vehicles: Delhi-registered diesel-operated BS-IV and below Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are prohibited from plying in Delhi.
• Essential commodities: The September 2026 revision removed exemptions for BS-IV and below trucks and HGVs carrying essential commodities under Stage 4.

Also Read:- CAQM imposes GRAP 2 in Delhi

2. Restrictions on Construction and Demolition Activities

• Construction ban: Restrictions on construction and demolition (C&D) activities imposed under GRAP 3 are extended to linear public infrastructure projects.
• Affected projects: These include highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecommunication infrastructure.
• Pollution control: The restrictions aim to reduce dust emissions from excavation, demolition, material handling and other construction-related activities.

3. Hybrid Mode of School Education

• Classes covered: Schools are required to conduct classes for students in Classes VI-IX and Class XI in a hybrid mode, wherever online education is feasible. Where online education is available, the option to attend classes online rests with students and their guardians.
• Geographical coverage: The measure applies in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
• Other NCR areas: State governments may also consider extending hybrid classes to other areas of NCR.

Also Read:- Grap 1

4. Additional Emergency Measures

State governments may consider further emergency measures depending on the severity of air pollution and local conditions.

• Educational institutions: Closure of colleges and other educational institutions may be considered.
• Commercial activities: Closure of non-emergency commercial activities may be considered.
• Odd-even scheme: Authorities may consider allowing vehicles to operate on alternate days based on the last digit of their registration numbers.
• Office attendance: Governments may introduce reduced physical attendance and work-from-home arrangements through separate directions.

These additional measures are not automatically imposed merely because GRAP 4 is invoked; they require decisions by the competent authorities. 

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Responsibilities of citizens under GRAP 4

Public cooperation becomes particularly important when air quality reaches the Severe+ category. Citizens are advised to:

• Children, older persons and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should avoid outdoor activities as far as possible.
• Wear masks when going outdoors, particularly if exposure to polluted air cannot be avoided.
• Prefer public transport and shared commuting instead of using private vehicles.
• Avoid unnecessary vehicle journeys and switch off engines at traffic signals.
• Avoid open burning of waste, biomass and other materials.
• Follow restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movement.
• Follow official health advisories and instructions issued by local authorities.

Also Read:- Delhi Air Pollution 2026

When is GRAP 4 invoked?

CAQM invokes GRAP 4 when Delhi’s AQI enters the Severe+ category or when air-quality forecasts indicate the likelihood of severe deterioration.

• AQI assessment: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors air quality through its monitoring network.
• Weather forecasts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) provide forecasts on meteorological conditions and likely changes in air quality.
• CAQM assessment: The Sub-Committee on GRAP reviews prevailing AQI levels, pollution trends and forecasts.
• Preventive invocation: Authorities may invoke Stage 4 in advance if forecasts indicate that the AQI is likely to reach the Severe+ category.
• Implementation: Once invoked, all concerned agencies across Delhi-NCR must implement Stage 4 measures along with restrictions under the preceding stages.

For example, on 17 January 2026, CAQM proactively invoked Stage 4 across Delhi-NCR after Delhi’s AQI rose from 400 at 4 PM to 428 at 8 PM amid unfavourable meteorological conditions. The decision was taken to prevent further deterioration, even before the AQI crossed 450. 

Significance of GRAP 4

• Emergency pollution control: Provides the highest level of intervention when air pollution reaches the Severe+ category.
• Reduction in vehicular emissions: Restricts the movement of older, more polluting heavy vehicles.
• Control of construction dust: Extends construction restrictions to major linear infrastructure projects.
• Public health protection: Introduces measures to reduce exposure, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
• Regional coordination: Requires coordinated action by Delhi-NCR governments and enforcement agencies.
• Preventive response: Allows authorities to take action based on forecasts rather than waiting for air quality to deteriorate further.