Delhi AQI dips further; CAQM invokes GRAP stage 2 pollution curbs across NCR

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 324, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

The move marks the first time this season that Delhi’s air quality has slipped into the ‘very poor’ category.

The CAQM said unfavourable weather conditions were likely to keep pollution levels elevated over the coming days, prompting authorities to intensify measures aimed at curbing emissions and dust, as per a Hindustan Times report.

The decision followed a review by the GRAP sub-committee, which assessed the prevailing air quality situation alongside forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Agencies across the NCR have been directed to implement measures under both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the plan.

What stage 2 GRAP means for Delhi-NCR

Under the restrictions, authorities have been asked to step up efforts to control road dust and vehicular pollution.

Roads will undergo more regular mechanical cleaning, while water sprinkling and anti-smog guns will be deployed to limit dust. Officials have also been directed to ensure the proper collection and disposal of garbage and construction waste, and to take action against open waste burning.

Traffic police will be stationed at busy roads and intersections to ease congestion. Checks for valid pollution-under-control (PUC) certificates will be intensified, with action to be taken against visibly polluting vehicles. Rules governing older diesel and petrol vehicles will also be strictly enforced.

Industries, brick kilns and power plants will face stricter inspections to ensure compliance with pollution-control standards and the use of approved fuels.

Hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries have been instructed to stop using coal or firewood in tandoors and switch to electricity- or gas-based appliances.

Public transport and power supply measures

Authorities have been asked to maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply to reduce reliance on diesel generator sets. Their use will remain regulated, apart from specified emergency services.

To reduce emissions from private vehicles, the frequency of Metro, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), CNG and electric bus services will be increased. Offices have also been encouraged to arrange shared transport for employees.

AQI rises sharply after recent rain

Delhi’s air quality has worsened considerably over the past three days.

The AQI stood at 60 on Friday after heavy rain washed away pollutants, giving the Capital its cleanest October air in four years. It rose to 117 in the ‘moderate’ category on October 31, before climbing to 261 in the ‘poor’ category on November 1.

By Monday, the reading had reached 324. The AQI had already touched 307 at 7.05 am.

Of Delhi’s 59 air quality monitoring stations, data was available for 58 on Monday. Thirty-six recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, while Jahangirpuri was the only station in the ‘severe’ category, with an AQI of 417. Five stations recorded ‘moderate’ air quality, while the remaining stations were in the ‘poor’ category.

Weather conditions may prolong pollution

Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya warned that the smog season had begun and that weather conditions could push pollution levels higher over the next few days.

“Most AQI sensors across Delhi NCR are now reporting AQI levels above 300 and many are climbing 400-500 range tonight. The flow of winds are from north west with calm conditions. All emissions will persist in the atmosphere for longer duration,” he said in a post on X.

Dahiya added that favourable meteorological conditions were not expected over the next seven to 10 days, warning that smog could worsen across Delhi-NCR and the northern plains.

CAQM issues advice for residents

The CAQM has urged residents to use public transport or carpool, keep vehicles well-maintained, ensure their PUC certificates are valid and switch off engines at traffic signals.

People have also been advised against burning garbage, and asked to dispose of waste properly, limit the use of diesel generators and refrain from bursting firecrackers.

Pollution-related violations can be reported through the 311, Green Delhi and SAMEER apps.