Smog Emergency in Capital: Delhi Implements GRAP-IV Curbs Targeting Vehicles, Offices, Construction

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With air quality oscillating between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ across the capital, the situation has remained alarming. On Thursday, the Delhi government rolled out its most stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan. Aimed at combating the winter smog crisis, the curbs bring vehicular emissions, work patterns, and construction activity under tighter regulation.

What’s Being Implemented Today

Compulsory Work-From-Home and Hybrid Office Work

It is mandatory for all offices, governmental and private, to function on-site with only 50% attendance, while the remaining personnel work from home to reduce commuter traffic and, subsequently, emissions.

Constraints on Entry of Vehicles

A central plank of the new curbs is a ban on certain vehicles entering the city:

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  • Entry of non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, which means older emission-standard private cars, would not be allowed in the capital during the operation of GRAP-IV.

  • Compliance is ensured at key border points by enforcement teams, including ANPR checkpoints and traffic police.

This would affect an estimated 1,000,000 vehicles entering the city from neighbouring regions such as Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

Rule on 'No PUC, No Fuel'

Vehicles unable to show a valid PUC will not be permitted to get petrol or diesel at fuel stations in Delhi. Automatic cameras and on-site enforcement are being used to track certificates and prevent refuelling of high-polluting vehicles.

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Construction and Material Vehicles Prohibited

Construction work remains suspended; construction material-carrying trucks are not allowed in the city to minimize dust and diesel emissions, a major cause of particulate pollution.

Why These Measures?

Delhi's Air Quality Index has consistently remained in the very poor to severe category for days on end, with the city experiencing dense smog that affects visibility and public health. This is seasonally expected every winter, as cold air traps emissions from vehicles, construction, and crop burning in the neighbourhood.

Support and Enforcement:

The authorities are issuing compensation of Rs. 10,000 to daily-wage construction workers who suffered losses due to the bans. 
More than 500 traffic personnel, along with several checkpoints at city limits, have been enforcing vehicle entry and PUC rules.

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Outlook

The officials say these emergency curbs would stay as long as pollution remains at critical levels and may be further strengthened in case of deterioration of air quality. Residents should take heed and use public transport, car-pooling, or remote work options to help clean up this city's air.