Delhi-NCR under GRAP Stage II as AQI hits 324, tighter pollution curbs imposed

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect after the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 324, entering the 'very poor' category for the first time this season.

The decision followed a sharp deterioration in air quality over three days, with Delhi's AQI rising from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 before reaching 324 at 4 pm on Monday.

The CAQM said unfavourable meteorological conditions and forecasts indicating continued poor air quality had prompted the enforcement of additional pollution-control measures across the National Capital Region.

In its order, the commission's GRAP sub-committee said it had reviewed the prevailing air quality situation along with forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

The panel directed all agencies concerned to implement measures prescribed under Stages I and II of GRAP throughout the NCR.

𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱

Under Stage II, civic authorities must step up mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling and the deployment of anti-smog guns to reduce dust pollution.

The measures also require stricter management of construction and demolition waste, regular garbage collection and action against open burning of municipal waste.

Authorities have been directed to ensure that dust from roads and construction-related activities is contained through regular inspections and preventive measures.

Stage II restrictions supplement the measures already in force under Stage I, which was introduced earlier as the capital's air quality deteriorated.

The additional measures are intended to prevent pollution from worsening further while improving coordination among civic agencies, pollution-control authorities and traffic enforcement personnel.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀

Traffic police have been directed to increase their presence at congested roads and major intersections to reduce traffic jams and the emissions associated with idling vehicles.

Enforcement agencies will intensify inspections of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and take action against vehicles found violating emission norms.

The CAQM has also called for strict enforcement of existing restrictions on older petrol and diesel vehicles.

Separately, vehicle-entry restrictions introduced in Delhi from November 1 remain in force. Under these provisions, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards face restrictions on entering the capital, subject to applicable exemptions.

Electric and CNG vehicles, along with eligible BS-VI-compliant vehicles, are exempt from the specified entry restrictions.

The Stage II measures also provide for higher parking charges at authorised parking facilities to discourage unnecessary private vehicle use and encourage public transport.

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀

Delhi's air quality deteriorated rapidly between October 31 and November 2, moving from the 'moderate' category to 'very poor' within three days.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's classification, an AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', while readings between 301 and 400 fall in the 'very poor' category.

An AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as 'severe'.

Monday's reading of 324 reflected a significant deterioration in atmospheric conditions, with a layer of smog visible across several parts of the national capital.

The CAQM said the decision to impose Stage II was based not only on current pollution levels but also on forecasts indicating that adverse conditions could persist.

The IMD and IITM have indicated that Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category over the coming days.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗜 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀

The Graded Response Action Plan is a framework of progressively stricter measures designed to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Stage I applies when air quality is 'poor', while Stage II introduces additional measures when the AQI reaches or is forecast to reach the 'very poor' category.

More stringent restrictions are prescribed under Stage III and Stage IV if pollution reaches 'severe' and 'severe plus' levels.

The revised GRAP framework also allows authorities to implement measures in advance when forecasts indicate that pollution is likely to cross specified thresholds.

While Stage II focuses on stronger dust control, vehicle checks, traffic management and public transport, broader restrictions associated with higher GRAP stages are not automatically triggered.

𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

The CAQM has directed implementing agencies across Delhi-NCR to ensure strict compliance with the restrictions and take action against violations.

Officials are expected to monitor pollution levels and weather forecasts closely to determine whether the existing measures are sufficient or additional restrictions are required.

The commission's decision comes ahead of Diwali, when seasonal emissions and unfavourable weather conditions can add to the capital's pollution burden.

With forecasts pointing to continued 'very poor' air quality, the effectiveness of dust suppression, vehicle emission enforcement and coordinated action across NCR will remain central to efforts to prevent further deterioration.