Delhi Police carried out vehicle checks on Tuesday night. They aimed to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage bans Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles. However, vehicles providing essential services are exempt.
GRAP Stage IV Launched to Tackle Pollution
Authorities activated GRAP Stage IV at 8:00 AM on November 18. They took this step due to worsening air quality in Delhi and NCR. The plan aims to combat severe pollution during critical times.
Gopal Rai Pushes for Cloud Seeding
On Tuesday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai took action. He wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, urging an emergency meeting. Rai suggested including the Delhi Government, IIT Kanpur, and central departments like the DGCA, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Defence. He stressed the need for immediate implementation of cloud seeding to tackle pollution.
Rai explained:
“The time has come to carry out artificial rainfall to break the smog layer. Last year, the Delhi Government, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, explored cloud seeding as an emergency measure to induce rain and reduce air pollution during critical periods. This year, we began preparations in August for cloud seeding, but despite several requests, a meeting has not yet been held.”
He emphasized breaking the smog layer as a priority.
“We are continuously working on this. We have banned BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel vehicles. All trucks and diesel buses coming from outside Delhi have also been banned. Schools for Classes 10 and 12 have been closed. Office timings have been staggered. Regarding work-from-home measures, we are deliberating and will take a decision soon. We are implementing everything within our capacity and will continue to do so. Breaking the smog layer is critical,” he added.
Supreme Court Demands Strict Implementation
On Monday, the Supreme Court directed strict enforcement of GRAP Stage IV. The bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih ordered immediate action. It told Delhi and NCR states to form monitoring teams. These teams will ensure full compliance with GRAP measures.
The court also made a key ruling. It stated GRAP Stage IV measures must stay in effect even if the AQI drops below 450. Moreover, the court directed all NCR states and the central government to submit compliance affidavits.
Delhi Government Takes Additional Steps
The Delhi Government has already taken several measures. It banned older diesel vehicles and restricted incoming trucks and buses. Schools for Classes 10 and 12 remain closed. Office timings have been staggered, and work-from-home options are under consideration.
These actions highlight the urgency of addressing Delhi’s severe pollution crisis. Authorities continue to implement solutions to protect public health and reduce smog.