CAQM imposes GRAP-III in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali as AQI soars to 382: Here’s what’s allowed and restricted

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi after the average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 382, placing it in the 'very poor' category.

The air quality in the national capital moved closer to the 'severe' category on Friday, just two days before Diwali, as pollution levels rose and a layer of smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility.

Although Stage III is generally associated with the 'severe' AQI category, the CAQM invoked the measures as a precautionary step. The move comes amid forecasts that pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) could turn 'severe' from Saturday, with Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions, and the peak stubble-burning season expected to add to the pollution burden.

The restrictions under GRAP Stage III have been added to the measures already in force under Stages I and II.

What is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented across Delhi and the NCR to control air pollution. It has four stages, with restrictions becoming progressively stricter as air quality deteriorates.

Stage I: Poor (AQI 201–300)

Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301–400)

Stage III: Severe (AQI 401–450)

Stage IV: Severe Plus (AQI above 450)

GRAP III: What's allowed and what's not?

Some of the key restrictions that have come into effect following the implementation of Stage III include:

Ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities

Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles

Hybrid classes for students up to Class 5

Closure of polluting industries using non-approved fuels

Closure of stone crushers across Delhi-NCR

Suspension of mining and related activities across Delhi-NCR

What's allowed under GRAP Stage III?

1. Public transport services: Metro and public bus services can continue operating as usual. Authorities may increase the frequency of Metro services and introduce additional buses to encourage public transport use and reduce dependence on private vehicles. Other vehicles not covered by the restrictions, including eligible BS-VI, CNG and electric vehicles, can continue to ply, subject to existing regulations.

2. Schools and offices: The CAQM order directs schools up to Class 5 in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar to conduct classes in hybrid mode, allowing students to attend either in person or online, wherever feasible. Other NCR districts may also consider adopting similar arrangements.

State governments and the Delhi government may decide whether public, municipal and private offices should operate with 50% of their staff physically present, while the remaining employees work from home. The Centre can take a separate decision regarding its employees. Private offices have also been advised to consider work-from-home or hybrid arrangements.

3. Construction projects: Construction work linked to essential infrastructure projects may continue, provided it follows the prescribed dust-control measures. Other activities that generate comparatively lower levels of dust or pollution may also be permitted, subject to compliance with applicable dust-mitigation and construction-waste management norms.

Delhi AQI

Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations that recorded data, 26 reported AQI levels in the 'severe' category, while 31 recorded readings in the 'very poor' category. Only one station, Lodhi Road, reported 'poor' air quality.

Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 453, followed by Jahangirpuri at 447 and Rohini at 444.

Delhi's average AQI rose to 382 on Friday from 369 a day earlier, moving closer to the 'severe' threshold of 401. Several monitoring stations across the city have already recorded AQI levels above 400, indicating a further deterioration in air quality.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is likely to remain in the 'severe' category between 7 and 9 November. The forecast for the subsequent six days also suggests that pollution levels are likely to fluctuate between the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI into six categories: 0–50 is 'good', 51–100 is 'satisfactory', 101–200 is 'moderate', 201–300 is 'poor', 301–400 is 'very poor', and 401–500 is 'severe'.

(with PTI inputs)

About the Author

Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.