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Delhi Chokes As AQI Hits 460: GRAP-4 ‘Severe Plus’ Restrictions Invoked After Worst Air Quality Of 2025

December 14, 2025 | Public Health Emergency | GRAP Stage IV Invoked | Schools Online

By Environment & Health Correspondent

Urban Climate & Public Policy Analyst

Focus: Air Quality Index, CAQM Directives, Public Health, Environmental Law

Delhi witnessed its worst air quality day of 2025 on Sunday as the AQI surged from 431 to a hazardous 460 (Severe Plus) within hours. The CAQM has urgently invoked GRAP Stage IV, banning truck entry and shifting schools to hybrid mode[web:154][web:157].

In a rapid escalation of the capital's pollution crisis, Delhi's air quality deteriorated at an alarming speed on December 14, forcing authorities to tighten restrictions twice in a single day. Initially, the AQI stood at 431 (Severe) at 4 PM, triggering GRAP-3 measures. However, by midnight, the pollution levels breached the critical 450 mark (Severe Plus), reaching 460, compelling the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke the strictest GRAP Stage IV protocols immediately[web:154][web:157].

Under the "Severe Plus" category response, the government has imposed a ban on the entry of heavy trucks into Delhi, halted all construction projects (including public works), and ordered schools to shift to online/hybrid classes for students up to Class 5. Dense toxic smog has enveloped landmarks like India Gate and Kartavya Path, with visibility dropping to near zero in areas like Anand Vihar, where AQI touched a suffocating 488[web:151][web:157].

Crisis Timeline: How AQI 431 Became 460

📉 The Rapid Deterioration (Dec 14 Data)

• 4:00 PM: AQI recorded at 431 (Severe). CAQM invokes GRAP Stage III restrictions[web:157].
• 6:00 PM: AQI worsens to 441 due to stagnant winds and low temperature[web:157].
• Midnight: AQI breaches the "Severe Plus" threshold, hitting 460. GRAP Stage IV invoked immediately[web:154][web:157].
• Hotspots: Anand Vihar (488), Bawana (496), and Chandni Chowk (479) reported near-max pollution levels[web:151].

🏭 Primary Contributors to the Smog

• Transport Sector: Accounted for 14.2% of Delhi's pollution load[web:154].
• Industrial Emissions: Contributed roughly 6.8% from Delhi and peripheral areas[web:154].
• Meteorology: Extremely slow wind speeds and temperature inversion trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing dispersion[web:157].

GRAP Stage IV: What Is Banned? (Severe Plus > 450)

🚫 Transport & Entry Bans

• Truck Entry Ban: No entry for trucks into Delhi except those carrying essential commodities/services or running on LNG/CNG/Electric[web:150][web:157].
• LCV Ban: Restriction on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi (except EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel)[web:150].
• Car Restrictions: Ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar[web:157].

🏫 Schools & Workplaces

• Schools: Classes for students up to Class 5 mandated to shift to online/hybrid mode. State govts may extend this to higher classes (VI-IX, XI)[web:150][web:157].
• Offices: Central and State governments may decide on allowing 50% capacity for work-from-home[web:150].
• Construction: Complete ban on construction and demolition activities, including linear public projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines[web:157].

Why This Matters For Exams (UPSC • Banking • SSC)

Critical Concepts for Aspirants

• GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): An emergency response mechanism for Delhi-NCR pollution approved by the Supreme Court in 2016. It is implemented by the CAQM.
  • Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300
  • Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
  • Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450
  • Stage IV (Severe Plus): AQI > 450
• CAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body formed in 2021 replacing the EPCA, responsible for air quality strategy in NCR.
• AQI Categories: Understanding the specific thresholds (0-50 Good, ..., 401-500 Severe) is crucial for Prelims statements.

Practice Questions

• Q1: Which body is authorized to invoke GRAP measures in Delhi-NCR?
  (A) CPCB (B) NGT (C) CAQM (D) MoEFCC
• Q2: Under GRAP Stage IV, which of the following is NOT automatically banned?
  (A) Construction activities (B) Entry of diesel trucks (C) All private vehicles (D) BS-III Petrol cars

SEO Focus Keywords (Use in Meta & Tags):

• Delhi AQI today 460 severe plus
• GRAP 4 restrictions Delhi schools closed
• CAQM air pollution guidelines 2025
• Delhi smog December 2025 updates
• What is banned in GRAP stage 4

— End of Report —

🚨 Delhi Air Emergency – Fast Facts

• Current AQI: 460 (Severe+)[web:157].
• Previous AQI: 431 (4 PM, Dec 14).
• Alert Level: GRAP Stage IV (Highest).
• Schools: Hybrid/Online for Class 5 & below[web:157].
• Construction: 100% Banned.
• Trucks: Entry Banned (except essentials/clean fuel).
• Hotspot: Bawana (AQI 496)[web:151].
• Cause: Stagnant winds, low temp, transport emissions[web:154].

Status: Public Health Emergency. Avoid outdoor exposure.

Sources:

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Orders (Dec 13-14, 2025)[web:150][web:153].
• Times of India, NDTV, Indian Express, Hindustan Times (Real-time AQI reports)[web:148][web:154][web:157].
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Daily Bulletins.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes real-time pollution data and government directives effective December 14, 2025. AQI values change hourly; please check real-time apps for immediate local data.