The Supreme Court has ordered all Delhi-NCR governments to ensure strict implementation of GRAP Stage IV rules amid rising air pollution levels. The curbs will remain in place even if air quality index falls below the ‘severe plus’ mark of 450.

Northern India is grappling with a severe air quality crisis as pollution levels skyrocket across major cities. The situation is particularly dire in Delhi, Mumbai, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, posing significant health risks.

IV restrictions are imposed in the national capital in a bid to combat the adverse effects of pollution. The Supreme Court on Monday asked authorities not to lift the curbs without obtaining its permission even if the AQI falls below 450.

Northern India, particularly Delhi, faces severe air pollution as dense fog and emissions render the air dangerous to breathe. With AQI peaking at 491, the government imposed restrictions on vehicles and construction.

India's capital city of Delhi has virtually shut down as air pollution hit "severe plus" levels, according to Indian government officials in its pollution control authority.

Delhi recorded air pollution more than 17 times above an acceptable level as worsening smog triggered curbs on trucking and shuttered construction sites and schools.

Till Saturday, a majority of Delhi’s pollution load was from stubble fires (25.10%), followed by vehicular emission (12.58%), & contamination from neighbouring states.

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated, prompting GRAP IV restrictions. Schools for students up to Class 11 will switch to online learning, construction work will be banned, and only specific vehicles

The CPCB advised people to minimise travelling during the hours when AQI is in the ‘severe’ or ‘poor’ category.