Delhi NCR Air Pollution: AQI Crosses 400 Ahead of Diwali, GRAP Stage 3 Measures Enforced

Delhi-NCR faces a severe air pollution crisis ahead of Diwali, with AQI crossing 400 at key monitoring stations and GRAP Stage 3 restrictions in force.

By All India Story

7 Nov 2026, 10:11 AM IST 2 min read

Heavy smog and traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR amid worsening air pollution ahead of Diwali. — Delhi-NCR faces a severe air quality emergency as AQI levels cross 400 at key monitoring stations ahead of Diwali.

Delhi NCR air pollution has intensified ahead of Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 at several key monitoring stations. The situation has raised concerns over public health and pollution levels across the national capital region.

In response to deteriorating air quality, authorities have implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), bringing additional restrictions into force to limit pollution sources.

GRAP Stage 3 Brings Construction and Vehicle Restrictions

The restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. Older vehicles also face restrictions, while the use of diesel generators has been prohibited under the measures described.

Authorities have additionally shifted primary school classes to online mode as part of efforts to reduce children's exposure to polluted outdoor air.

These steps are intended to curb emissions from construction, transport and other activities contributing to the region's pollution burden.

Traffic Congestion Adds to Pollution Concerns

Traffic congestion at Delhi-NCR border areas, including Anand Vihar, has further complicated the situation. Heavy vehicle movement and congestion can add to local emissions, worsening air quality in already polluted areas.

The pollution crisis has also triggered political exchanges, with parties blaming one another over the contribution of stubble burning to deteriorating air quality.

Stubble Burning Debate Continues

The debate extends beyond Delhi, with pollution concerns involving neighbouring states such as Haryana and Punjab. Agricultural residue burning has remained a contentious issue during the seasonal rise in pollution levels.

With AQI readings crossing 400 and GRAP Stage 3 restrictions underway, Delhi-NCR faces mounting pressure to control emissions from multiple sources. The coming days will be important for assessing whether the measures help improve air quality ahead of Diwali.