GRAP-1 Curbs Imposed Across Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Slips to ‘Poor’ Category

Delhi-NCR has come under the first stage of anti-pollution restrictions after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 244 on Wednesday, October 21, prompting authorities to step up measures to prevent further deterioration.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the capital’s AQI rose sharply from 179, in the ‘moderate’ category, on October 20 to 244, in the ‘poor’ category, at 2 pm on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the coming days.

What Restrictions Come Under GRAP-1?

Under Stage I, authorities must intensify measures to control dust, vehicular emissions and other sources of pollution across Delhi and the National Capital Region.

The restrictions include a ban on the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries. The use of diesel generator sets is restricted to emergency or essential services, subject to applicable norms.

Authorities have also been directed to strengthen road cleaning, sprinkle water to suppress dust and closely monitor construction and demolition sites for compliance with pollution-control measures.

Officials will also keep a closer watch on polluting vehicles, manage traffic congestion and intensify enforcement against open waste burning.

Why Has GRAP-1 Been Invoked?

GRAP is a four-stage emergency framework designed to prevent air pollution from worsening in Delhi-NCR. The measures are triggered by air quality levels and become stricter as pollution rises.

Stage I applies when the AQI falls between 201 and 300, classified as ‘poor’. Stage II covers the ‘very poor’ range of 301 to 400, while Stage III and Stage IV introduce stronger restrictions as conditions deteriorate further.

The CAQM has directed agencies across the region to implement, monitor and review Stage I measures to prevent air quality from slipping further.

What Happens Next?

The authorities will continue monitoring pollution levels and weather forecasts before deciding whether additional restrictions are necessary.

Residents have been urged to follow the GRAP Stage I citizen charter and cooperate with pollution-control measures. The immediate focus remains on reducing dust, curbing emissions and preventing further deterioration in air quality as the winter pollution season approaches.