GRAP 4 restrictions back in Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens

The Centre on Wednesday re-imposed GRAP IV restrictions in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) after air quality deteriorated. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, and other local pollution sources, have led to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters. 
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub committee decided to invoke all actions under Stage-III ('Severe Air Quality of Delhi) & also Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force, the statement read.As per the Supreme Court's directives, Stage-III measures are triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 350, and Stage-IV comes into force when AQI crosses 400. Delhi's AQI reached 386 on Wednesday, falling under the 'Very Poor' category (301-400), according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily bulletin. AQI jumping from 275 on January 14 to 393 by 5.00 PM and 396 by 6.00 PM Wednesday. This surge is attributed to dense fog, low temperatures, and poor atmospheric conditions that hinder the dispersion of pollutants.
With the Stage 4 restrictions in place, the state governments and Delhi’s administration have been advised to shift classes for students in Grades VI-IX and XI to online mode.The other measures include ban on non-essential trucks entering Delhi, with exemptions only for trucks carrying essential items or services.