Delhi AQI crosses 400 at multiple stations as GRAP Stage III measures kick in before Diwali

Authorities across Delhi-NCR have enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan with immediate effect after air pollution levels surged ahead of Diwali, with more than 20 monitoring stations recording readings in the severe category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management introduced the emergency restrictions after the capital's daily average Air Quality Index reached 382, entering the upper range of the very poor classification. Individual stations across the city reported much higher figures, with readings passing the 400 mark that defines severe air quality.

Heaviest pollution recorded across Delhi

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that while the citywide average fluctuated between 364 and 389, localized monitoring stations logged extreme PM2.5 levels. Southern and western quarters of the city recorded some of the highest figures.

Under CPCB standards, an AQI reading between 301 and 400 is classified as very poor, while anything between 401 and 500 represents severe air quality that poses health risks to healthy individuals and serious impacts on those with existing respiratory conditions.

Strict curbs enforced under Stage III

To prevent further deterioration as calm weather conditions set in, the Commission for Air Quality Management mandated a comprehensive set of temporary restrictions across the entire National Capital Region.

All non-essential construction and demolition activities have been suspended, alongside a ban on transporting building materials such as sand and cement on unpaved roads. Stone crushers, mining operations and hot-mix plants not operating on clean fuels must remain shut. The use of diesel generator sets has also been restricted strictly to essential and emergency services.

To safeguard public health and reduce traffic congestion, primary schools up to Class V have transitioned to online learning. State governments within the NCR and the Delhi administration have been directed to decide on allowing offices to operate at 50 per cent physical capacity, with remaining staff working from home.

Weather outlook and monitoring network

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts shallow to moderate fog over Delhi over the coming days, with maximum temperatures around 29°C and minimums near 15°C. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune indicated that air quality is expected to remain in the severe to very poor range through early November.

An analysis by Hindustan Times noted that the city's overall AQI average was influenced by the recent addition of 13 peripheral monitoring stations installed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee in October. Those new peripheral stations recorded PM2.5 readings approximately 35 per cent lower than older neighbouring stations, keeping the official citywide average just below the severe threshold even as core urban areas breached 400.

Political leaders have called for long-term policy focus, with Delhi Congress president Devendra Yadav urging speedier execution of public transport expansion and green measures. Meanwhile, administrative agencies continue field enforcement of dust suppression, water sprinkling and vehicular compliance across critical corridors.