Delhi-NCR is once again grappling with severe air pollution as authorities have reimposed Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made the decision to proactively prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.

The air quality in Delhi began inching towards the "Severe+" category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400. At 4 pm, the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 400, and it climbed to 428 within four hours. The CAQM noted that "western disturbance, highly unfavorable weather/meteorological conditions, and lack of dispersal of pollutants" contributed to the worsening air quality.

Under GRAP, air quality is categorized into four stages: Poor (AQI 201-300), Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Severe (AQI 401-450), and Severe+ (AQI above 450). With the AQI nearing the "Severe+" category, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP decided to invoke all actions under Stage IV with immediate effect across the entire NCR.

The reimposition of GRAP-4 brings several restrictions into effect. A key restriction is the ban on vehicles entering Delhi that are not BS-VI compliant, including those running on petrol, and lack a Delhi registration. Exemptions are in place for trucks carrying essential goods or services, or those operating on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel. All construction and demolition activities are completely halted under GRAP-4, which includes public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, and pipelines.

Additionally, state governments in NCR and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) have the option to shift physical classes for students in classes VI to IX and XI to online mode to protect vulnerable groups.

Delhi's current weather is cloudy, with a temperature of 11°C and 95% humidity. The forecast predicts continued cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain.