The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect following a deterioration in air quality. Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 425 at 9 AM today due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavorable meteorological conditions.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality situation in the region and decided to implement measures classified under Stage-III, which corresponds to ‘Severe’ air quality conditions, in addition to the existing Stage-I and Stage-II actions. Agencies responsible for implementing these measures, including the Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
Under Stage-III, construction and demolition activities that generate significant dust, including excavation, piling, major welding, painting, road construction, and transport of construction materials, will be restricted, except for essential projects such as metro, railway, airport, national security, hospitals, linear public projects, and sanitation works. Operations of stone crushers, mining, and related activities in the NCR are to be shut down. Restrictions have also been imposed on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and selected districts of NCR, with exceptions for persons with disabilities and vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
Schools for students up to Class V in Delhi and certain NCR districts will operate in a hybrid mode combining physical and online classes, while public offices and municipal bodies will follow staggered timings to reduce pollution. Citizens are urged to follow GRAP guidelines, use cleaner transport options, work from home where possible, avoid burning coal or wood, and reduce trips to help control the pollution.
The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the air quality closely and take further decisions based on ongoing assessments and forecasts provided by the IMD and IITM. Detailed information on GRAP measures is available on the CAQM website.