Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates: GRAP-1 Anti-Pollution Measures Enforced as AQI Hits 211

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as air quality dipped into the “Poor” category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 211 on October 14, triggering the early-stage response mechanism aimed at curbing pollution.

The decision was taken by the Sub-Committee on GRAP after reviewing current AQI levels and meteorological forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Forecasts suggest that air quality is likely to remain poor in the coming days.

Officials have directed all implementing agencies to enforce GRAP Stage I measures immediately, intensify monitoring, and prevent further degradation in air quality.

What is GRAP-1?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a tiered framework introduced to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It outlines specific actions to be implemented depending on AQI levels:

• Good (0–50)

• Satisfactory (51–100)

• Moderate (101–200)

• Poor (201–300)

• Very Poor (301–400)

• Severe (401–500)

Under Stage I (Poor), a range of preventive and control measures are mandated to reduce emissions and dust pollution.

Restrictions Under GRAP-1

With the implementation of Stage I curbs, authorities have issued the following directives:

• Dust control using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns at all construction and demolition sites.

• Projects exceeding 500 sq. m. must follow approved dust management plans.

• Open burning of waste, including leaves and garbage, is strictly prohibited.

• Use of coal or wood fuel in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens is banned.

• Hotels and restaurants must switch to clean fuels like LPG or electricity.

• Diesel generators restricted to emergency use only.

• Polluting vehicles may face fines or impoundment.

• Traffic police to ensure engine-off at red lights and manage congestion.

• Old vehicles banned: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot operate in Delhi-NCR.

Coordinated Action Across NCR States

The CAQM’s directive has been sent to the governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, urging coordinated enforcement across all NCR districts. Agencies have been asked to maintain strict vigilance, conduct regular inspections, and report compliance progress.

The Sub-Committee on GRAP will continue to track AQI trends and review additional actions if pollution levels worsen.

Environmental experts attribute the spike to vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, crop residue burning, and unfavourable weather that prevents dispersion of pollutants.

The CAQM has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, reduce private vehicle use, and adopt eco-friendly practices to support ongoing anti-pollution efforts.