The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday announced the implementation of Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, as air quality dipped further into the ‘severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 401 and 450.
In an official statement, the CAQM said, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of extant GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I & II of extant GRAP already in-force in NCR.”
The move comes as pollution levels continue to surge due to a combination of stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and unfavorable weather conditions. The Stage-III curbs are among the strictest under GRAP and include:
- Ban on construction and demolition activities, except for essential projects like hospitals, railways, metro, and national security.
- Closure of brick kilns, stone crushers, and mining operations.
- Enhanced deployment of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in vulnerable zones.
- Encouragement for work-from-home (WFH) policies for private offices and a reduction in vehicular movement through carpooling or public transport.
With this decision, all previous measures under Stages I and II — which include strict monitoring of dust pollution, control on road dust, and a ban on open burning — will also continue to remain in force.
Authorities have urged residents to minimize outdoor activities, use masks while stepping outside, and avoid the use of private vehicles where possible. The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the air quality situation closely and review restrictions as weather conditions evolve in the coming days.
