GRAP-III, then IV: Govt activates toughest anti-pollution curbs as AQI surges to 448

As Delhi's air quality slid deeper into hazardous levels, touching an AQI of 448 by Saturday evening, authorities moved swiftly from Stage III to the strictest Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, enforcing an immediate halt on construction, restricting diesel vehicles and curbing several economic activities across the National Capital Region.

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‘The escalation came within hours of Stage III being imposed earlier in the day after pollution levels breached the 400 mark and entered the severe category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management said pollution rose sharply through the day because of weather conditions that prevented the dispersion of accumulated pollutants. The AQI readings showed a steady climb, starting with 401 at 10 am, increasing to 431 at 4 pm, 436 at 5 pm, 441 at 6 pm, and reaching 448 at 7 pm. The CAQM recorded the 4 pm AQI as 431 and noted an upward trend that continued into the evening.

In a statement announcing the shift to Stage IV, the CAQM said the decision was taken “keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region” and that all actions under this stage would come into force immediately across the NCR, in addition to the measures already active under Stages I, II and III.