NEW DELHI, Nov 11: The Centre on Tuesday enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the region’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category, triggering stricter emergency pollution control measures.
According to the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), the decision was taken early Tuesday morning as Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply from 362 on Monday to 425, driven by calm winds and unfavourable weather conditions that trapped pollutants close to the surface.
Under Stage III restrictions, authorities have banned non-essential construction activities, and stone crushers and mining operations have been ordered to shut down across the National Capital Region. These measures are in addition to those already in force under Stages I and II of GRAP.
The commission also directed schools to switch to hybrid learning for students up to Class 5, allowing parents and students the option to continue classes online to minimise exposure to toxic air.
Restrictions have also been imposed on vehicular movement, with BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers prohibited from plying in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts, except for vehicles providing essential services or driven by persons with disabilities.
During winter months, Delhi-NCR implements GRAP to tackle hazardous air pollution levels. The plan categorises air quality into four stages — Stage I (Poor, AQI 201–300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301–400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401–450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450) — with each stage triggering progressively stricter control measures.
Officials said the situation would continue to be closely monitored, and if the AQI continues to rise, the CAQM could move to Stage IV, which involves a complete ban on entry of non-essential trucks and additional curbs on industrial and vehicular activity.
