Delhi-NCR invokes GRAP-I as AQI rises to 244, air quality likely to remain ‘poor’

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 244 by 2 pm on October 21.

The decision follows a sharp deterioration in air quality from an AQI of 179, classified as ‘moderate’, on October 20. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days.

The CAQM’s sub-committee on GRAP reviewed the region’s air quality, along with the weather agencies’ forecasts, before deciding to implement all actions prescribed under Stage-I of the revised GRAP schedule with immediate effect.

Agencies asked to intensify anti-pollution measures

In an order dated October 21, the commission directed all concerned agencies across the National Capital Region (NCR) to implement, monitor and review Stage-I measures to prevent air quality from deteriorating further.

The implementing agencies have been asked to maintain strict vigil and intensify measures prescribed under the existing GRAP schedule. The commission also called for citizens to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stage-I.

The sub-committee will closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically. Further decisions on implementing additional measures will depend on Delhi’s air quality and forecasts issued by the IMD and IITM.

The commission had issued a revised GRAP schedule on September 29, 2026, for immediate implementation by concerned agencies to mitigate air pollution across the NCR.

Stage-I of GRAP is triggered when the AQI falls in the ‘poor’ category, ranging from 201 to 300. The plan provides for a set of preventive and mitigation measures aimed at curbing pollution and preventing a further deterioration in air quality.

What are the restrictions under GRAP-I?

Construction and dust control: Authorities must enforce dust-control rules at construction and demolition sites. Projects covering 500 square metres or more that are not registered on the relevant government portal or fail to meet statutory monitoring requirements cannot undertake construction and demolition activities. Construction materials and waste must be covered, while transportation must take place in covered vehicles. Road-owning agencies must intensify mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling and dust suppression.

Waste burning and disposal: Open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste is prohibited. Agencies must ensure regular collection and proper disposal of municipal, construction, hazardous and industrial waste, while preventing illegal dumping and fires at landfill sites.

Vehicle and traffic checks: Authorities must strictly enforce Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms and act against visibly polluting vehicles. Rules on overage vehicles and the diversion of non-destined trucks through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways must also be enforced. Traffic police are tasked with easing congestion on busy roads.

Restaurants and power supply: The existing ban on coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries must be enforced. These establishments must use electricity, gas or other clean fuels. Diesel generator sets cannot be used as a regular power source, while power distribution companies must minimise supply interruptions.

Industrial compliance: Industries, brick kilns and hot-mix plants must meet emission standards and use approved fuels. Authorities must act against violations.

The measures also include enforcing firecracker restrictions, improving public awareness and encouraging offices to adopt shared commuting arrangements.