Delhi air pollution: CAQM reimposes strictest GRAP-IV curbs as AQI spikes, turns 'severe'

The move comes just a day after Stage III restrictions were enforced in the region as a preventive step (Representative image)

• Stage IV GRAP curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as AQI hits 'severe' range
• BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles banned, except for essential services
• Existing Stage I-III measures continue alongside new restrictions

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With pollution levels spiking sharply, the Centre’s air quality regulator on Saturday brought back the strictest set of curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, officials said.

The decision was taken after the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘severe’ range, showing a rapid upward trend through the evening.

A senior official from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) told news agency PTI, “The AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 400 on Saturday at 4 PM, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded at 428 at 8 PM owing to a western disturbance, highly unfavourable weather and meteorological conditions, and lack of dispersal of pollutants.”

Citing the worsening situation, the CAQM sub-committee opted for immediate action. “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of extant GRAP -- ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure,” the official has been quoted as saying.

The move comes just a day after Stage III restrictions were enforced in the region as a preventive step. Delhi-NCR has been facing elevated pollution levels for several months, with GRAP-IV having been withdrawn only towards the end of December before making a return now.

Under the GRAP framework, air quality is divided into four categories -- ‘poor’ for AQI between 201 and 300, ‘very poor’ for 301 to 400, ‘severe’ for 401 to 450, and ‘severe plus’ when levels cross 450.

Officials clarified that measures already in place under Stages I, II and III will continue alongside the newly imposed Stage IV actions, as per the revised GRAP notified on November 21, 2025.

While private vehicle movement is not entirely halted during Stage IV, restrictions focus on emission standards and fuel type.

Vehicles that meet prescribed norms are allowed, but older ones face tighter limits. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are barred from plying in Delhi-NCR during this phase, barring those engaged in essential services.