Delhi-NCR's new GRAP kicks in: Parking gets costlier as AQI worsens

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, setting out how restrictions will tighten if air pollution rises during winter.

Higher parking fees, hybrid classes, work-from-home arrangements and curbs on trucks and construction are among the measures that could come into play.

The plan takes effect immediately, but those restrictions will be imposed only when the relevant stage is invoked. It lists 48 action points across four stages and includes guidance for residents at each level of air quality.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryFOUR STAGES BASED ON AIR QUALITYStage 1 applies when Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is 201–300, classified as “poor”. Stage 2 covers 301–400, or “very poor”, and adds measures targeting vehicle emissions, dust and construction activity.

Stage 3 applies at 401–450, when air quality is “severe”. Stage 4, the strictest level, covers an AQI above 450, classified as “severe plus”.

The four stages have 25, eight, 10 and five action points, respectively. Measures imposed at earlier stages remain in force when a higher stage is invoked.WHAT COULD CHANGE FOR RESIDENTS?

Parking fees at authorised sites may be raised as part of efforts to discourage private vehicle use. The revised plan does not mean parking charges have increased immediately.

When Stage 3 is invoked, schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar may offer hybrid classes for children up to Class 5. At Stage 4, the option may extend to Classes 6–9 and 11.

Authorities may also decide to limit attendance at government, municipal and private offices to 50 per cent, with the remaining staff working from home.TRUCKS, CONSTRUCTION AND ROAD REPAIRS

At Stage 4, restrictions on trucks entering Delhi will tighten, with exemptions for specified cleaner-fuel and BS-VI vehicles. Older diesel goods vehicles will face curbs, while construction and demolition work will be subject to stricter controls.

The revised plan allows essential work, including filling potholes and carrying out urgent road repairs, to continue during Stage 3 if pollution-control measures are followed.

CAQM has also reiterated its September 10 advice to consider rescheduling outdoor sports tournaments planned in the NCR for November and December if air quality poses a risk, particularly to schoolchildren.- Ends

Sushant Mehra is a correspondent at India Today group who covers Delhi politics and all major news all across Delhi-NCR.