Delhi Implements GRAP-3 as Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe' Levels: What You Need to Know

Delhi's air quality has reached 'Severe' levels for the first time this season, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The decision was taken after the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) dramatically increased to 425. According to pollution control board data, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 412, Alipur reached 442, and Bawana registered the highest level at 462. Chandni Chowk measured 416, while RK Puram and Patparganj reported 446 and 438 respectively.

Delhi's average AQI between January 1st and November 9th, 2025, stands at 175, compared to 189 during the same period last year. PM2.5 concentration levels have decreased to 75 ug/m3 from 87 ug/m3, and PM10 levels have dropped to 170 ug/m3 from 191 ug/m3 year-over-year, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Farm fire incidents have also declined significantly this year. Punjab recorded 4,062 fire events between September 15th and November 9th, 2025, showing a 35.2% reduction from 6,266 during the same period in 2024. Haryana has seen an even more substantial decrease, with only 333 fire counts compared to 959 last year—a 65.3% decline.

The CAQM is actively monitoring the situation with senior officers from Punjab and Haryana state governments and other concerned agencies to ensure strict implementation of statutory directions and address stubble burning issues.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region through a tiered system based on air quality severity. It outlines specific actions across four stages of pollution levels: Stage 1 (Poor: AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor: AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe: AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus: AQI above 450).

Under GRAP-3, which is triggered when pollution reaches the severe category with AQI between 401-450, the following restrictions are enforced:

A complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, including earthwork, piling, trenching, and open-air operations of Ready-Mix Concrete plants.

Prohibition on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and neighboring NCR districts.

Ban on transporting construction materials like sand and cement, particularly on unpaved roads.

Closure of stone crushers, mining operations, and hot-mix plants not operating on clean fuel.

Ban on diesel generator sets, except for emergency and essential services.

Restriction on inter-state diesel buses entering or operating in Delhi.

Advisory for private companies to implement work-from-home or hybrid working arrangements to reduce vehicular emissions.

Closure of schools up to Class 5, with classes shifting to online mode to protect young children from harmful air.

However, essential public projects such as railways, metro construction, airports, defense installations, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services are permitted to continue under strict dust and waste management protocols.