Delhi AQI Today: GRAP II curbs kick in as national capital's air turns 'very poor' on Diwali morning

Officials have been asked to maintain strict vigilance, especially over dust control, and ensure timely compliance with all pollution mitigation targets under the comprehensive NCR air quality policy.

With Delhi’s air quality slipping into the “very poor” category and the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 300 mark, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region.

The decision followed a review by the Sub-Committee on GRAP on Saturday, which examined the city’s deteriorating pollution levels and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Both agencies warned that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days.

“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and was recorded at 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm,” the CAQM said in its statement. Authorities have been directed to enforce all Stage II measures immediately, alongside Stage I restrictions that have been in place since October 14.

Officials have been asked to maintain strict vigilance, especially over dust control, and ensure timely compliance with all pollution mitigation targets under the comprehensive NCR air quality policy.

Under Stage II of GRAP, intensified actions include:

>> Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads, preferably before peak hours, to control dust.
>> Enhanced inspections at construction and demolition sites to ensure adherence to dust mitigation norms.
>> Promotion of cleaner mobility, with more CNG and electric buses, increased metro frequency, and differential fare rates to encourage off-peak travel.
>> RWAs directed to provide electric heaters for guards, gardeners, and sanitation workers to curb open burning of biomass and solid waste.
>> Restrictions on inter-state buses, allowing entry only to those running on CNG, EVs, or BS-VI diesel, excluding tourist buses under all-India permits.
GRAP categorizes air quality into four escalating stages — Stage I (Poor, AQI 201–300), Stage II (Very Poor, 301–400), Stage III (Severe, 401–450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, above 450).

As per doctors, Delhi’s toxic air during winter is fuelled by a mix of unfavourable weather, vehicular emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and local pollution sources. Doctors warn that inhaling Delhi’s polluted air can have severe health impacts, likening it to smoking about 10 cigarettes a day. Prolonged exposure, they add, can aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis and increase the risk of heart disease.