GRAP 4 measures to be undertaken as part of GRAP 3 as toxic smog continues to cover Delhi-NCR

Thick, toxic smog continues to cover Delhi-NCR

A thick layer of smog continued to engulf the national capital on Saturday as air pollution levels remained dangerously high, pushing authorities to activate tougher emergency measures for the welfare of the general public of NCR.

With multiple monitoring stations reporting severe air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) triggered select provisions of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The move comes as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi touched 364 at noon, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer application.

Despite the reading falling below the usual Stage 4 threshold of 400+, the measures were introduced due to persistent toxic smog and worsening forecasts.

In its latest order, the CAQM noted, “CAQM has revised the GRAP schedule on 21.11.2025 to make it more stringent thus preventing further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.”

Under the updated framework, the Delhi government as well as administrations in NCR districts may reduce physical attendance in government, municipal and private offices to 50%, with the remaining workforce operating remotely.

The Centre is expected to decide separately on remote working options for central government employees under Stage 4 guidelines, reports said.

This revised structure reflects the Supreme Court’s earlier direction allowing a restructuring of the response plan. The court emphasised the need for faster and earlier intervention rather than reactive action once pollution spikes.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai, along with Justice K. Vinod Chandran, stated, “We are of the view that any proactive action in reducing air pollution would always be welcome. We expect the CAQM, while taking such action, to consult all stakeholders.”

The revamped plan now brings several stricter advisories, previously applicable only when AQI crossed 400, into effect at Stage 3 itself, when levels fall between 301 and 400.

Earlier this month, Delhi-NCR schools shifted primary classes to hybrid learning following the enforcement of Stage 3 curbs on November 11. A ban on certain construction work, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, and traffic controls remain active across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida.