Delhi-NCR Enforces Stage III Grap as Air Quality Deteriorates to Very Poor

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday, responding to the sustained ‘very poor’ air quality in the area.

According to CAQM’s live Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the AQI reached 382 at 4 pm, which falls within the ‘very poor’ category as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB classifies AQI values between 301 and 400 as very poor, while readings from 401 to 500 are considered ‘severe’.

The region experienced a heavy smog layer early Friday morning. At 8 am, the average AQI across Delhi-NCR was 389, marking an increase from 367 recorded the previous day. Several monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ pollution levels, with IIT Delhi and Rohini each recording an AQI of 474, and Punjabi Bagh close behind at 465.

Stage III Grap initiates stricter pollution control measures aimed at limiting activities that contribute to air contamination. These include halting most dust-producing construction operations such as excavation, piling, demolition, and open-trench work. However, certain essential projects linked to metro construction, railways, hospitals, and national security are exempt from these restrictions.

Additionally, the revised Grap guidelines enforce limits on the operation of older vehicles. Petrol vehicles meeting only BS-III standards and diesel light motor vehicles complying with BS-IV or earlier emission norms will be restricted from plying within Delhi and designated NCR districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat.

The plan also bars entry of diesel-operated BS-IV and older light and medium goods vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering the capital city. To reduce outdoor exposure, schools for students up to Class 5 in Delhi and specified NCR areas may switch to a hybrid learning model. Local authorities are also empowered to reduce physical attendance in government and private offices to 50 percent, encouraging remote work for the remaining employees.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court of India expressed concern over vehicular emissions as a significant contributor to Delhi-NCR’s air pollution during a suo motu hearing on the regulatory framework governing air quality. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, questioned the effectiveness of current pollution control measures given the persistent rise in AQI levels nearing 400.

The Chief Justice highlighted the heavy traffic congestion on roads linking Delhi with neighboring cities such as Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad. He remarked, "Look at the roads in Delhi and the roads connecting Delhi with the NCR. Take a look at any road and the kind of vehicles moving on them. That is the major problem." The bench also questioned why pollution levels continued to climb despite the implementation of various measures.

The Centre informed the court that enforcement of restrictions on vehicles not meeting Bharat Stage VI emission standards was underway. Officials also noted initiatives such as linking pollution under control (PUC) certificates to the place of issuance and taking action against vehicles that emit visible smoke.

Delhi’s air pollution has long been a major public health concern, especially during the winter months when weather conditions and increased burning of crop residue in neighboring states worsen air quality. The Graded Response Action Plan is designed as a tiered system of interventions that escalate as pollution levels rise, aiming to mitigate harmful effects on residents.

Stage III restrictions represent a significant escalation, reflecting the urgent need to control pollution sources in the region. The combination of vehicular emissions, dust from construction sites, and other pollutants has repeatedly pushed Delhi-NCR’s air quality into hazardous zones, prompting ongoing debates about sustainable urban planning and transportation reforms.

As the authorities implement these stricter measures, public cooperation and adherence to guidelines will be critical to managing pollution levels and protecting vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.