GRAP stages 2, 3 and 4 form Delhi’s tiered plan to tackle air pollution. These targeted steps activate progressively stricter measures based on air quality levels to reduce harmful emissions and improve public health.

What is Grap-2, 3 and 4? How does it help in reducing pollution in Delhi

As Delhi prepares for Diwali, the city is engulfed in thick smog and the pungent sting of pollution, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Residents are bracing for another festive season overshadowed by toxic air. The air quality index (AQI) at 4pm was registered at 296 (poor), up from Saturday’s 268, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The number continued to climb post-sunset, crossing the ‘very poor’ mark and reaching 310 by 11pm. Experts predict the situation won’t improve until the week’s end. This marks the first time since February 2 that Delhi’s AQI has entered the ‘very poor’ zone.&nbsp;The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecasts that Diwali will see AQI levels move into the 'very poor' zone, due to an increase in firecracker emissions. Experts are concerned that these pollutants, combined with local emissions and smoke from stubble fires in Punjab and Haryana, will persist in Delhi’s air throughout the week, as low surface winds hinder dispersal. Stage 2 measures under Grap include tighter controls on diesel generators, restrictions on interstate buses (except EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel), and hikes in parking fees to limit private vehicle use.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-sets-new-guinness-record-by-lighting-26-lakh-diyas-in-deepotsav-2025-1760898528421">Ayodhya sets new Guinness Record by lighting 26 lakh diyas during Deepotsav 2025</a>&nbsp;The toxic air is the result of multiple factors: stagnant winds, low temperatures, vehicle emissions, and the burning of firecrackers. Experts also point to crop burning in neighboring states as a significant contributor. According to the Decision Support System (DSS), Delhi’s AQI deterioration on Sunday (October 19) was largely due to pollution from surrounding NCR towns, which contributed to 67.89% of the city’s total PM2.5 levels. The remainder came from local sources. “The air quality is expected to remain ‘very poor’ on Monday, Diwali day, and will likely enter the ‘severe’ category by Tuesday due to the increase in firecracker pollution,” the AQEWS said in its report.&nbsp;&nbsp;The CPCB’s AQI classification runs from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe’ (401-500), with values above 300 marking ‘very poor’ conditions. Data on pollution sources revealed that outside Delhi, the largest contributors to pollution were categorised as ‘unaccounted sources’ (26.7%), with stubble fires accounting for only 2-3%. Without wind to disperse the pollutants, these harmful particles are trapped in the city’s air, worsening the already high levels of local emissions.&nbsp;This year, Diwali arrived earlier than usual, while the peak of stubble burning tends to occur in mid-November. On Sunday, Punjab reported 67 stubble fires — the highest single-day count for the season — while Haryana saw seven. So far this season, Punjab has registered 308 farm fires, and Haryana has logged 38. Despite the Supreme Court’s permission for only ‘green’ firecrackers, the bursting of both green and traditional firecrackers was widespread in Delhi.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' on Diwali as pollution peaks; Grap-2 imposed

As Delhi prepares for Diwali, the city is engulfed in thick smog and the pungent sting of pollution, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Residents are bracing for another festive season overshadowed by toxic air. The air quality index (AQI) at 4pm was registered at 296 (poor), up from Saturday’s 268, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The number continued to climb post-sunset, crossing the ‘very poor’ mark and reaching 310 by 11pm. Experts predict the situation won’t improve until the week’s end. This marks the first time since February 2 that Delhi’s AQI has entered the ‘very poor’ zone. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecasts that Diwali will see AQI levels move into the 'very poor' zone, due to an increase in firecracker emissions. Experts are concerned that these pollutants, combined with local emissions and smoke from stubble fires in Punjab and Haryana, will persist in Delhi’s air throughout the week, as low surface winds hinder dispersal. Stage 2 measures under Grap include tighter controls on diesel generators, restrictions on interstate buses (except EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel), and hikes in parking fees to limit private vehicle use. Also Read: Ayodhya sets new Guinness Record by lighting 26 lakh diyas during Deepotsav 2025 The toxic air is the result of multiple factors: stagnant winds, low temperatures, vehicle emissions, and the burning of firecrackers. Experts also point to crop burning in neighboring states as a significant contributor. According to the Decision Support System (DSS), Delhi’s AQI deterioration on Sunday (October 19) was largely due to pollution from surrounding NCR towns, which contributed to 67.89% of the city’s total PM2.5 levels. The remainder came from local sources. “The air quality is expected to remain ‘very poor’ on Monday, Diwali day, and will likely enter the ‘severe’ category by Tuesday due to the increase in firecracker pollution,” the AQEWS said in its report. The CPCB’s AQI classification runs from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe’ (401-500), with values above 300 marking ‘very poor’ conditions. Data on pollution sources revealed that outside Delhi, the largest contributors to pollution were categorised as ‘unaccounted sources’ (26.7%), with stubble fires accounting for only 2-3%. Without wind to disperse the pollutants, these harmful particles are trapped in the city’s air, worsening the already high levels of local emissions. This year, Diwali arrived earlier than usual, while the peak of stubble burning tends to occur in mid-November. On Sunday, Punjab reported 67 stubble fires — the highest single-day count for the season — while Haryana saw seven. So far this season, Punjab has registered 308 farm fires, and Haryana has logged 38. Despite the Supreme Court’s permission for only ‘green’ firecrackers, the bursting of both green and traditional firecrackers was widespread in Delhi.

Delhi's air quality turns ‘very poor’ on Diwali, triggering Stage 2 restrictions. Experts warn the situation likely to worsen due to smog, stubble fires, and firecrackers

To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to&nbsp;strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/let-founding-member-and-aide-of-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-gunned-down-in-karachi-report-641468">LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report</a>

One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months.

<h2>Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)</h2>

GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences.

There are four stages of GRAP:

Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-shivajis-tiger-claw-weapon-is-returning-india-on-loan-for-three-years-641427">Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years</a>

Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots.

Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-deploy-military-instructors-in-ukraine-to-train-troops-british-defence-minister-641464">UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister</a>

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Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI &gt;450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions.&nbsp;

With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas.

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To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1).

To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..." Also Read | LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months. Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences. There are four stages of GRAP: Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality. Also Read | Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots. Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar." Watch | UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister × Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI >450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions. With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India: Centre implements revised GRAP to combat air pollution during winters

How cities around the world tackle air pollution

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday&nbsp;asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

&quot;(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels.

&quot;He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation,&quot; an official statement quoting him said.

&quot;Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results,&quot; the statement quoting him said.

The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning.

&quot;The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions,&quot; he said.

He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground.

A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a &quot;gas chamber&quot; today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares.

The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery.

The air quality index was in the &#39;severe&#39; category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year.

In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly. The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms. "(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels. "He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation," an official statement quoting him said. "Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results," the statement quoting him said. The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning. "The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions," he said. He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground. A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a "gas chamber" today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares. The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery. The air quality index was in the 'severe' category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year. In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

Take effective steps to mitigate air pollution: Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan