Delhi-NCR Grap-1 restrictions: From crackdown on diesel vehicles to traffic curbs, check full list of restrictions and other details

With air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorating to the poor category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday invoked Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb further pollution.

Read more: Delhi’s winter pollution countdown begins: Three new restrictions to be introduced after AQI rises to 179 after Dussehra

Delhi-NCR GRAP-1: What are the restrictions?

• 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.
• Action against polluting industries and thermal power plants operating within 300 km of Delhi.

Delhi air quality likely to remain poor in coming days

Delhi recorded its first ‘poor’ air quality day of the season on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 245, its highest level in 100 days, as temperatures began to fall.


The last time the city recorded a comparable AQI was on July 13, when the index stood at 246.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category until October 23. The forecast for the following six days also points to continued poor air quality.

Weather conditions are expected to hinder the dispersal of pollutants. A ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second, combined with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for pollutant dispersion, the system said.

The deterioration comes a day after Vijayadashami, when Ravan effigies were burnt at several locations across the city. However, no direct link has been established between the celebrations and the decline in air quality.

Transport remains Delhi’s biggest pollution contributor

According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi, developed by IITM Pune, the transport sector within Delhi was the largest contributor to the city’s pollution on Tuesday, accounting for 20.5%.

Stubble burning contributed up to 8%, while residential sources accounted for 5.2%. Peripheral industries contributed 4.3%, followed by construction at 2.8%, waste burning at 1.8%, road dust at 1.4% and other sources at 1.3%.

Among the National Capital Region districts, Jhajjar accounted for the largest share at 8%, followed by Gurugram at 5.7% and Sonipat at 4.8%.

Ghaziabad contributed 3.04%, Panipat 2.9%, Gautam Buddh Nagar 2.6%, Baghpat 2.27% and Faridabad 1.7%. Other contributions included Rohtak at 1.5%, Karnal at 1.2%, Rewari at 1.19%, Bhiwani at 0.8%, Alwar at 0.7% and Mahendragarh at 0.5%. Other sources accounted for 13.28%.

How is AQI classified?

The Central Pollution Control Board classifies the Air Quality Index into six categories:

• Good: 0–50
• Satisfactory: 51–100
• Moderate: 101–200
• Poor: 201–300
• Very poor: 301–400
• Severe: 401–500

With an AQI of 245, Delhi falls in the ‘poor’ category, and the forecast suggests that the city could continue to experience similar air quality over the coming days.

In addition to GRAP-1 restrictions, as part of the winter pollution-control measures, the government will enforce the “No PUCC, No Fuel” rule from November 1, denying fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. Enforcement against end-of-life vehicles will also be strengthened.

From November 1 to January 31, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet the BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the city, with exemptions for CNG and electric vehicles.