GRAP-III in Delhi: What's allowed, what's not as as AQI touches ‘severe’ levels | Explained​

Delhi AQI

A sharp drop in air quality—from the ‘very poor’ to the ‘severe’ category—has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

According to a report by The Indian Express, in a statement on Tuesday morning, the CAQM said, “The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 362 on November 10, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 425 at 9 am on November 11 owing to calm winds, stable atmosphere and unfavourable meteorological conditions.”

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of extant GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR,” the statement added.

Key restrictions under GRAP Phase 3

Construction and demolition activities:

• A complete ban is imposed on all non-essential C&D activities in the NCR.
• Prohibited activities include earthwork, piling, trenching, all demolition, open-air operations of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants, and transport of construction materials like sand and cement, especially on unpaved roads.
• Essential public projects such as railways, metro, airports, defense, and healthcare facilities are exempt, but must follow strict dust and waste management norms.

• The plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is prohibited in Delhi and adjacent NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar). Persons with disabilities are exempt from these vehicle restrictions.
• Non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel inter-state buses are restricted from entering Delhi.
• Entry of diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and specific non-Delhi-registered light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is banned, except those carrying essential goods

As pollution levels continue to rise in the national capital, the Delhi government has instructed schools to shift students up to Class 5 to hybrid learning.