Delhi-NCR has entered the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the region’s air quality index reached 244, bringing immediate restrictions on coal- and firewood-fired tandoors and limiting diesel generator use. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage 1 across the National Capital Region on October 21 as forecasts indicated that air quality was likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days.
Delhi’s AQI rose to 244 at 2pm on October 21 from 179 a day earlier. The decision followed forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, which indicated continuing poor air quality. CAQM has directed agencies across the NCR to implement the measures immediately, monitor pollution levels and intensify action if conditions deteriorate.
Under the immediate GRAP-1 restrictions, hotels, restaurants and open eateries cannot use coal or firewood as fuel in tandoors. Diesel generator sets may be used only in emergency or essential situations, as permitted under applicable rules. The order does not impose a blanket ban on vehicles, construction activity or everyday movement.
GRAP Stage 1 applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300. Stage 2 covers ‘very poor’ air quality, with an AQI between 301 and 400. Stage 3 applies to the ‘severe’ range of 401 to 450, while Stage 4, classified as ‘severe plus’, begins above 450. The restrictions become progressively stricter as pollution levels worsen.
Several additional measures announced by the Delhi government will begin from November 1 but are separate from the immediate CAQM order. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will be denied fuel under the planned “No PUCC, No Fuel” rule. Enforcement against end-of-life vehicles will also be strengthened. Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the city between November 1 and January 31. CNG and electric vehicles will be exempt from that restriction.
The government has also announced staggered office timings and work-from-home arrangements. Under the plan, 50% of employees in government and private offices will work from home. Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8.30am to 5pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10am to 6.30pm. Parking charges at authorised facilities are scheduled to double from November 1, although Metro parking facilities will remain exempt.
Construction-related measures are also scheduled under the winter pollution-control plan. Restrictions on dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will apply from November 1 to January 31. A complete ban on construction and demolition activities is scheduled between December 10 and January 20. These measures do not form part of the immediate GRAP-1 restrictions and are tied to the separate government plan.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said nearly 30 agencies were working under the government’s 11-point air pollution mitigation plan. The city plans to increase its network of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations from 47 to 60 and deploy 334 enforcement teams to check compliance with environmental norms.
The government’s longer-term measures include road carpeting to reduce dust, promotion of electric vehicles and the phase-out of polluting fuel-based industries in Delhi-NCR. Citing a government assessment, Sirsa said about 30% of pollution was generated within Delhi, while 60% to 65% came from or was influenced by surrounding areas. He said coordinated action across the NCR was necessary because air pollution was a regional problem.
