Delhi pollution: How AQI worsened across NCR; GRAP-1 explained — What is allowed, what is banned

Delhi AQI: Delhiites have been advised to reduce outdoor activities and utilise means of public transportation as much as possible.

Delhi pollution, AQI, Grap 1 imposed: The deteriorating air quality index (AQI) in Delhi and the neighbouring national capital region (NCR) has triggered government action and the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Grap Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Despite of earlier predictions that Delhi AQI would recover from the dust storms that blew across the NCR this week, the worsening of pollution levels in the entire region forced the government's CAQM sub-committee to impose restrictions.

After the comprehensive review by the CAQM sub-committee, it was decided that Grap-I would be imposed as the NCR area experienced no respite from strong winds that brought along sand and dust from far off regions, triggering a short, but serious episode of pollution.

As part of the immediate relief measure to counter worsening AQI in Delhi and surrounding areas, the authorities have issued orders to enforce pollution regulations strictly, increase dust control measures and increase supervision at construction sites. Delhiites have also been advised to reduce outdoor activities and utilise means of public transportation as much as possible.

Delhi Grap-I restrictions: How AQI worsened

May 15: The capital witness a sharp drop in air quality index, with situation worsening as time passed.

May 16: Delhi clocked an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 278 — considered in the 'poor' category.

May 17: Capital and surroundings areas experienced another bout of dust storm and as per Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts, air quality in Delhi and NCR is expected to stay in the lower side of 'poor' range.

Delhi AQI, Grap Stage-I clamped down: Restrictions now in effect

The GRAP Stage-I measures target major sources of pollution, like vehicle emissions, dust from construction sites, and industrial activities. Under Grap stage I, the following restrictions now apply throughout Delhi and the National Capital Region:

- Dust control measures made compulsory at all construction and demolition sites.
- Construction projects larger than 500 square metres must implement steps to manage dust.
- Complete ban on burning garbage, leaves, and other waste in the open.
- Ban on using coal or firewood in food stalls and hotel kitchens.
- Restaurants and eateries can only use electricity, gas, or clean fuel.
- Other than emergency or essential use, complete ban on diesel generators.
- Visibly polluting vehicles to be fined heavily or impounded.
- Traffic management and police deployment at critical intersections and engine shutdown at red lights to be made mandatory.
- Ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years to be strongly enforced in Delhi.
- Residents advised to switch off car or vehicle engines at traffic lights and to avoid idling.
- Hybrid or electric vehicles recommended to cut down on vehicular emissions.
- Ban on firecrackers — including manufacturing, sales, and storage — till January 1, 2026.
- Action to be taken against polluting industries and thermal power plants within 300 kilometers of the capital.
- Pollution violations can be reported on Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, or by calling 311.