GRAP 4 Restrictions in Delhi, Check What’s Allowed & What’s Banned

Due to severe air pollution conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management imposed Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Read the article below to check what's allowed and what's not.

As the capital of India is witnessing and suffering from the severe air quality, keeping that concern into consideration, the Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented the strict GRAP-4, which is a set of guidelines issued to combat the spread of awareness to the citizens of Delhi. The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) designed the plan in 2017 and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is responsible for implementing it. Delhi has recorded the AQI of 500 on Monday by 10am, placing the AQI at the severe + condition.

GRAP 4 Restrictions In Delhi

Delhi-NCR region is suffering from severe air quality right now. Considering this issue on the topmost priority the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to impose Stage-IV (Severe+) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Delhi's air quality is categorized into four stages: Stage I is "poor" (AQI 201-300); Stage II is "very poor" (AQI 301-400); Stage III is "severe" (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV is "severe plus" (AQI >450).

The new GRAP-4 guidelines and restrictions are effective from Monday. These include bans on school closures, construction activities and truck entry. To have a closer look at 10 important things: what's allowed and what's not, continue reading the article below.

Different Stages of GRAP

There are 4 stages of GRAP issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The capital foreseen Stage-I on October 14, Stage-II on October 21, Stage-III on November 14 and Stage-IV on November 18.

GRAP 4 Restrictions List

Below we have shared the GRAP-4 Restrictions List for a better understanding to know What’s Allowed and What’s Banned in the national capital Delhi.

What's Allowed and What's Not in GRAP-4 Guidelines

• Truck Entry Restrictions

The entry of trucks into Delhi has been restricted to reduce vehicular emissions. Exceptions are granted only for:

1. Trucks carrying essential goods or services.
2. Vehicles powered by eco-friendly fuels such as LNG, CNG, or electric energy.
3. Trucks adhering to the BS-VI diesel emission standards.

• Limitations on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

LCVs registered outside Delhi are prohibited from entering the city unless they meet one of the following criteria:

1. Powered by CNG, electric energy, or BS-VI diesel.
2. Transporting essential goods or services.

• Ban on Construction and Demolition (C&D) Activities

All construction and demolition work, including projects like highways, flyovers, and power infrastructure, have been temporarily restricted. This also includes public works such as road construction, pipelines, and telecommunications projects.

• Shift to Online Education

Schools in Delhi have transitioned to online classes, with physical sessions suspended for most students. Exceptions are made for Class 10 and Class 12 students, as they prepare for their higher and secondary examination.

• Work-from-Home Policies for Schools and Offices

1. Educational Institutions: Discussions are underway regarding online classes for students in Grades 6 to 9 and 11, following a meeting led by Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai.
2. Workplaces: Offices across the public, municipal, and private sectors are advised to operate with 50% of their staff working from home. Central government offices may implement similar policies.

• Potential Emergency Measures

State authorities may introduce further emergency actions, such as:

1. Suspending non-essential commercial activities.
2. Restricting operations in colleges and universities.
3. Implementing an odd-even vehicle system to reduce traffic emissions.

• Health Advisory for Residents

Citizens are urged to prioritize their health, particularly:

1. Children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
2. Avoiding outdoor activities and staying indoors during high pollution hours.

• Citizen Participation in GRAP

Public cooperation is vital in enforcing GRAP-4 measures. Residents are encouraged to:

1. Reduce unnecessary outdoor activities.
2. Actively support initiatives aimed at reducing pollution.

GRAP 4 Restrictions in Delhi FAQs

Q1. What are GRAP 4 restrictions?

Ans. GRAP Stage 4 restriction includes ban on diesel-run medium, heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below), except those carrying essentials. 

Q2. What are GRAP 3 restrictions?

Ans. All non-essential construction and demolition activities are banned, and projects related to public services, such as roads, bridges, or hospitals, are permitted. 

Q3. Is GRAP 4 implemented in Delhi in 2024?

Ans. The Centre's air quality panel has announced stricter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 a.m. on Monday (November 18, 2024).

Q4. Is a diesel car allowed in GRAP 3?

Ans. The Delhi government implemented a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers from plying under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) in the national capital from Friday to combat deteriorating air quality.