GRAP-4 implemented in Delhi: No fuel to vehicles without PUCC, ban on diesel trucks, 50% WFH, construction closed and schools online. The situation remains very bad with AQI 328. Know what is closed, what is restricted and what is affected today.
Delhi Pollution Alert Today: Delhi is currently in the grip of severe pollution and dense fog. The situation has become so bad that the government has had to implement the strictest rules like GRAP Stage-4. Due to the mixing of poison in the air, the direct threat to people’s health has increased. For this reason, many major decisions related to vehicles, petrol-diesel, offices, schools, construction and transport have been taken simultaneously. What is closed today, what is affected and what has been completely banned? Let us understand one by one in easy language.
Why will petrol and diesel not be available now without PUCC?
Now in Delhi, if your vehicle does not have a valid PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate), then you will not get fuel at the petrol pump. The government has given clear instructions that:
- PUCC will be checked first at every petrol pump.
- ANPR cameras and manual checking will be done.
- The rule will apply to all vehicles, whether petrol, diesel or CNG.
The Environment Minister has clearly said that smoke coming from vehicles has become the biggest cause of pollution. Therefore, people have been appealed to update their PUCC immediately, otherwise driving will become difficult.
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Which vehicles were hit the most in GRAP-4?
The rules regarding vehicles have become more strict under GRAP Stage-4. Now entry of diesel trucks in Delhi is closed (except for essential services). Strict action is being taken against old and smoke emitting vehicles. Only BS-4 and BS-6 vehicles have been given limited relief. According to government data, old BS-1 and BS-2 vehicles emit many times more poisonous gases than new vehicles. This is the reason why now emphasis is being laid on removing them from the roads.
Why are the offices empty? What is the 50% work-from-home rule?
The government has taken a big decision to reduce pollution and traffic. Now only 50% employees will come to the office. The rest will have to work-from-home. The rule is applicable to both government and private offices. However, some essential services have been exempted from this, such as hospitals, fire service, electricity-water and public transport. The government has also made it clear that legal action can be taken against those who break the rules.
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What will the workers do if construction stops?
Due to GRAP-4, all construction and demolition work has been stopped in Delhi. In such a situation, considering the concerns of the workers, the government has announced relief. Financial assistance of ₹ 10,000 will be given to every registered construction worker. So far, more than 2.5 lakh laborers have been registered. The government says that this step has been taken to support the workers in difficult times.
Will flights and traffic also be affected?
Although there has been no official announcement of flight cancellation yet, due to dense fog, problems like flight delays, low visibility on roads in the morning, traffic jams and slow speed are continuously coming to the fore.
Are schools open or closed? What are the rules for children?
Different decisions have also been taken regarding schools:
In Delhi:
- Up to class 5 – online only
- Class 6-9 and 11-Hybrid
- Class 10 and 12-Offline
NCR (Noida, Gurugram): Online or hybrid classes till class 5
Air still ‘very bad’, when will there be relief?
Delhi’s AQI remains around 328, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. Officials say that the coming few days will not be easy. Strict restrictions may continue until pollution levels come down.
Why did the government become so strict?
According to CAQM, air flow reduces in winter, due to which pollution does not spread and accumulates in the air like poison. Therefore, the government is forced to take tough decisions. Pollution in Delhi has now become not just a problem but a health crisis. The rules of GRAP-4 may be strict, but their purpose is to save people’s lives. Whether the situation improves in the coming days will depend on both the weather and the responsibility of the people.