Delhi pollution: GRAP-1 restrictions imposed across NCR with immediate effect; check what’s banned & what’s not

In response to a sudden spike in air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has on Friday imposed Stage-I restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

The decision was taken after a review by the GRAP Sub-Committee on May 16, following a sharp deterioration in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), largely attributed to dust-laden winds from outside the region.

As of Thursday afternoon, the national capital’s AQI stood at 278, falling in the "poor" category — a level that triggered precautionary measures under GRAP’s first stage.

Why GRAP-I has been enforced

While forecasts by IMD and IITM had predicted an improvement due to strong surface winds, no significant relief was observed. In view of this, CAQM decided to implement Stage-I measures to prevent further deterioration and stabilize air quality.

Authorities have been instructed to intensify dust control measures, monitor construction activity, and ensure strict compliance with pollution norms. Citizens are also urged to follow the advisory under the Stage-I Citizen Charter, which includes avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure and encouraging the use of public transport.

What is banned under Stage-I of GRAP

Stage-I restrictions aim to curb pollution at the source, particularly from dust, vehicles, and industrial emissions. Here are some of the key actions and prohibitions now in effect across the NCR:

• Strict dust control at construction and demolition sites. Private projects of 500 square metres or more are barred from proceeding without approved dust mitigation plans.
• Ban on open burning of waste, including garbage, biomass, and municipal solid waste.
• Prohibition on use of coal or firewood in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens.
• Limited use of diesel generators unless essential or emergency.
• Traffic curbs including deployment of personnel at busy intersections and instructions to turn off vehicle engines at red lights.
• Ban on visibly polluting vehicles, with provisions for impounding or heavy penalties.
• Crackdown on old vehicles: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years remain banned in Delhi.
• Ban on firecrackers: The production, sale, and storage of firecrackers are banned in the NCR until January 1, 2025.
• Action against polluting industries and thermal power plants operating within 300 km of Delhi.

What happens next

The air quality panel will continue to monitor the situation and review forecasts daily. Depending on how pollution levels evolve, stricter restrictions under Stage-II or beyond may be considered in the coming days.

For now, all implementing agencies have been directed to stay on high alert and take proactive steps to curb emissions in line with the revised GRAP schedule issued in December 2024, as per Supreme Court guidance.