Delhi air quality drops to poor category as CAQM triggers GRAP 1 restrictions
Prompt action by air quality authorities triggers emergency curbs across the capital region to control seasonal emissions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, after Delhi's air quality moved into the 'poor' category.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 179 in the 'moderate' category on 20 October before rising to 244 by 2 pm on 21 October. Joint forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) showed that meteorological conditions were likely to keep the capital's AQI within the 'poor' band in the coming days, prompting immediate coordinated intervention by administrative agencies.
Understanding GRAP stages
The Graded Response Action Plan operates on a four-tier framework that triggers specific restrictions based on real-time AQI thresholds to prevent severe pollution spikes.
| GRAP Stage | AQI Band | Severity Category | Key Target Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 201–300 | Poor | Dust control, fuel bans in eateries, DG set restrictions |
| Stage 2 | 301–400 | Very Poor | Enhanced parking fees, boosted public transport frequencies |
| Stage 3 | 401–450 | Severe | Halting non-essential construction, vehicle restrictions |
| Stage 4 | >450 | Severe Plus | Entry bans on heavy commercial vehicles, emergency measures |
Stage 1 restrictions in force across NCR
Under Stage 1 directives issued by the CAQM sub-committee, hotels, restaurants, and open eateries across the NCR are strictly prohibited from using coal or firewood in tandoors. Operational limits have been placed on diesel generator sets, excluding designated emergency and essential utility services.
Enforcement teams across NCR districts have been instructed to intensify road-sweeping, water-sprinkling, and strict monitoring of construction material transportation to suppress road and fugitive dust.
Proactive governance and winter action plan
These GRAP Stage 1 measures build upon the government's comprehensive winter action plan, which runs from 1 November to 28 February. The multi-pronged strategy prioritises clean mobility and strict emission compliance.
Key policy enforcement measures include a mandatory 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule at petrol pumps, barring non-compliant vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates from buying fuel. Additionally, entry restrictions will apply to vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards, while the capital continues to expand its public transport network and electric bus fleet to maintain urban air quality standards throughout the winter months.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi AQI reading on 21 October | 244 (Poor) | CAQM order |
| Delhi AQI reading on 20 October | 179 (Moderate) | CAQM order |
| Winter Action Plan dates | 1 November to 28 February | Delhi government |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Commission for Air Quality Management | Invoked Stage 1 GRAP restrictions across NCR. |
| Delhi | Location where AQI reached 244. |
