Stage 4 Pollution Restrictions Reimposed in Delhi-NCR Amid Cold Wave and Rising Air Pollution Levels

In response to deteriorating air quality and a persistent cold wave, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reintroduced Stage 4 restrictions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). These measures come just hours after the implementation of Stage 3 curbs, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which aims to combat severe pollution levels.

Stage 4 restrictions include a comprehensive ban on all construction and demolition activities, even for public projects like highways and flyovers, as well as a prohibition on the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. These steps were triggered by a sharp increase in the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which crossed the critical 400 mark by late evening on Monday. The AQI, which stood at 379 by 4 PM, worsened due to calm winds and the development of an inversion layer, trapping pollutants in the atmosphere and severely impacting air quality.

In a move to manage the effects of this pollution on daily life, the CAQM has also mandated hybrid classes for students from Class VI to IX and XI. This hybrid mode, which allows both online and physical classes, is to be implemented in schools across Delhi and NCR where feasible. In addition, NCR state governments are encouraged to adopt this model in other regions affected by pollution.

The worsening air quality is compounded by unusually cold weather. On Monday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C, significantly below the seasonal average, marking the fourth such instance this month. The cold wave, with temperatures dipping to near 5°C, is expected to continue, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a similar chill on Tuesday, with highs around 24°C and lows of 5°C.

As the city grapples with the dual challenges of severe pollution and an ongoing cold wave, authorities are urging the public to take precautions to protect their health and well-being.