Delhi is making headlines once again for air pollution as monsoon withdrew ahead of winter onset. The Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday imposed phase 1 of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as the air quality dipped.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 211, which comes under 'poor' category. Dip in wind speed and night temperature have led to deterioration in air quality ahead of Diwali.
Delhi: With dropping temperatures in Delhi, air pollution has worsened, with the city’s AQI averaging 201 and most areas between 200–300. Smog is visible, including at landmarks like India Gate pic.twitter.com/lvSZCow1CQ
— IANS (@ians_india) October 14, 2025
The order stated that measures under the first stage will monitored and reviewed from time to time. “All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I,” it added.
What are the restrictions under GRAP-1?
Vehicle emissions
- Ban on diesel vehicles aged over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years.
- Strict traffic control measures at major intersections. Drivers will be directed to turn off engines at red signals.
- Heavy vehicles to undergo black carbon emission audits.
- Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles. Polluting vehicles to fined or impounded.
- Encouraging offices to provide unified commute for staff to cut down traffic
Burning
- Ban on coal and wood as fuel at roadside eateries.
- Ban on open burning of garbage, leaves, biomass and municipal solid waste
- Ban on firecrackers
Dust control
- Ban on labour-intensive construction activities without dust control
- Mandatory water sprinkling at construction project sites
- Mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling should be carried out on roads
- Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust control measures in road construction and repair
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