The Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) has implemented Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control the increasing pollution in Delhi NCR. Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category on Thursday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi’s overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 426 at 9:10 am. The AQI in Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri stood at 460.

Let us tell you, if the AQI is more than 400, it is considered ‘severe’ and can adversely affect the health of healthy people and can seriously affect those who are already ill.

So, now let us know what will be restrictions that will be applicable in Delhi NCR in the fourth phase of implementation of GRAP:

There is a big change in the commutation of trucks in Delhi and now Diesel-powered medium and large trucks will not be able to run in Delhi. However, trucks that are involved in the supply of essential goods will be exempted and CNG and electric trucks will be able to run as they used to be earlier.

Another big change that is announced under the policy is whether there is a supply of PNG available or not but all industries operating in NCR using fuel other than PNG will remain closed. And apart from this all the public projects that involve construction and demolition will also remain closed. The construction and demolition work includes works related to highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.

The state governments of Delhi-NCR can decide that 50 percent of the workers in government offices and private offices should be given work from home. With this, the central government can also take a decision to implement work from home in its office. Apart from this, the state governments will be able to take decisions related to schools, colleges, institutions, odd-even rules of vehicles, etc.