Capital AQI surges, GRAP IV activated

Delhi-NCR’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday, prompting authorities to enforce the strictest restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The move comes a day after Stage III curbs were applied, with all earlier stages now active.The 24-hour average AQI began at 354 (‘very poor’) but surged to 416 (‘severe’) by 6 PM, and crossed 450, triggering Stage IV or ‘Severe+’ measures.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) cited western disturbances, unfavourable weather, and stagnant pollutants as reasons for the spike.Stage IV restrictions include halting non-essential truck entry, limiting BS III and BS IV vehicles, banning construction and demolition, and mandating hybrid work for schools up to Class XI and 50 per cent staff in offices.

NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies concerned have been asked to escalate the preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.