GRAP Stage III implemented in Delhi-NCR as air pollution worsens ahead of Diwali

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as the air quality remained in the “very poor” category ahead of Diwali. 

The decision, taken as a precautionary measure, came into effect immediately and will remain in force alongside the restrictions already in place under Stages I and II of the anti-pollution plan.

Delhi's air quality remains very poor

Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 380 on Friday at 5 pm, below the threshold of 401 at which air quality is classified as “severe”, according to official data. However, the pollution levels had deteriorated in several parts of the capital during the day. At 9 am, the citywide AQI stood at 391, with 30 of the 59 monitoring stations recording readings in the “severe” category. Rohini recorded an AQI of 475, while IIT Delhi recorded 472. Under the national AQI classification, readings between 301 and 400 are considered “very poor”, while those between 401 and 500 fall in the “severe” category.

Vehicle restrictions under Stage III

GRAP Stage III will restrict BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sonipat. The September 2026 revision of the schedule brought Sonipat within the scope of these curbs.

Diesel-operated BS-IV and older light and medium goods vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be barred from entering the capital.

Hybrid classes for younger students

Schools in Delhi and specified NCR districts can offer hybrid classes to students up to Class V, allowing them to attend lessons online wherever the facility is available.

Construction curbs and work-from-home measures to continue

A separate CAQM order issued on October 30 prohibits dust-generating construction and demolition activities across the NCR until November 20. However, exemptions have been provided for specified projects, including hospitals, Metro services, airports, railways, water and sanitation works, and defence-related activities.

The order also requires government and private offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar to limit physical attendance to 50 per cent, with the remaining employees working from home. Industrial establishments and essential services may be exempted where such arrangements are not feasible.

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