NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday announced the enforcement of Stage-IV (Severe+) actions under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The measures will take effect from 8 am on Monday (November 18), stepping up efforts to tackle the worsening air quality in the region.
This decision was made after an urgent meeting of the GRAP sub-committee on November 17, which reviewed the current air quality, meteorological conditions, and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The sub-committee had previously invoked Stage-I, Stage-II, and Stage-III actions on October 14, October 21, and November 14, respectively.
As part of the Stage-IV measures, Delhi government (GNCTD) have been advised to consider transitioning physical classes for grades VI to IX and XI to online mode. Authorities are also urged to implement a 50% workforce policy for public, municipal, and private offices, allowing the remaining employees to work remotely.
The decision came after a high-level review meeting chaired by CAQM Member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee on Saturday. Officials stressed the critical need for strict enforcement of GRAP measures, particularly as winter months, typically associated with higher pollution levels, approach.
Stage-IV actions build upon the measures implemented under Stages I, II, and III, which remain in force. Daily reports from implementing authorities have been monitored through the GRAP Monitoring Control Room, underscoring the need for immediate, coordinated action to curb air pollution.
The CAQM has reiterated the importance of strict adherence to GRAP guidelines, available on its official website, urging enforcement agencies to take decisive steps to mitigate pollution.