GRAP II enforced across Delhi-NCR as AQI worsens to 'poor quality'

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday (November 2) imposed Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The move comes after air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category.

Officials cited a sharp rise in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which jumped from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1, before rising further to 324 on Monday amid “unfavourable weather conditions”. Under GRAP Stage II rules, officials are required to step up efforts to control dust pollution and encourage greater use of public transport.

The order, dated November 2, stated that all agencies across NCR must implement, monitor and review actions under Stage I and II of the existing GRAP framework in earnest to prevent air quality from deteriorating any further.

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Guidelines for citizens

Officials directed citizens to strictly stick to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage I and II. The order stated that officials shall keep a close watch on the air quality situation and review the situation from time to time. The order is for further appropriate decisions based on Delhi's AQI and the forecast made by IMD/IITM.

As of November 1, new rules bar petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering the capital if they fail to meet BS-VI emission norms. Electric and CNG vehicles remain exempt, as do vehicles already compliant with BS-VI standards. Responsibility for enforcing these pollution curbs is being shared between Delhi’s Environment and Transport Departments, working alongside the traffic police.

In addition, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are mandated to provide electric heaters to security guards, sanitation workers, and horticulture staff to prevent open biomass or municipal solid waste burning during chilly winter periods.