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Delhi Air Quality Turns Severe, GRAP Stage-III Restrictions Enforced

The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan as Delhi's air quality index deteriorated to 354. The sub-committee has mandated strict actions, including banning BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering, with exceptions for essential services. Recent night-time inspections in north Delhi areas recorded 65 incidents of waste burning and dumping, highlighting significant local pollution sources. Authorities warn that unfavorable meteorological conditions could push the AQI into the 'severe' category in the coming days.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Air Quality Dips, GRAP Stage-III Invoked

  • GRAP Stage-III invoked in Delhi-NCR
  • AQI recorded at 354, may worsen
  • Outside diesel LCVs banned, essentials exempt
  • Night inspections find 65 pollution incidents
3 min read

CAQM invokes GRAP-III as air quality dips in Delhi

CAQM enforces Stage-III GRAP as Delhi's AQI hits 354. Restrictions include ban on outside diesel LCVs. Night inspections reveal waste burning and dumping.

"The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend and has been recorded at 354 on January 16, 2026. - IMD/IITM Forecast"

New Delhi, Jan 16

The Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas on Friday invoked actions under Stage III, as the air quality dipped with the AQI touching 354, an official said.

The Sub Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) "decided to invoke all actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi, ranging 401-450) of extant schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage l and II actions already in force:, said the official.

The panel also made strict certain sections of Stage-III response, mandating that the GNCTD "not permit BS-IV diesel operated LCVs (goods carriers), registered outside Delhi, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services".

The Sub-Committee on GRAP earlier reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecast and noted: "The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend and has been recorded at 354 on January 16, 2026. IMD/ IITM forecast indicates that the AQI may further deteriorate and reach 'severe' category in the coming days owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions and slow/variable wind speeds."

Actions under Stage-I, II & III of the revised GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, said a circular issued by the Sub-Committee's Member Convenor, Director, Technical, R.K. Agarwal.

On Wednesday, the CAQM conducted a night-time inspection drive in north Delhi under "Operation Clean Air" to assess on-ground compliance related to prevention of municipal solid waste (MSW)/biomass burning and dumping, and to identify localised sources of air pollution.

The CAQM flying squad teams inspected the Jahangir Puri, Shalimar Bagh, and Wazirpur areas of North Delhi. Field inspections supported by geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic evidence were consolidated into a detailed inspection report submitted to the Commission.

As per the report, 65 incidents were recorded across the three areas: 20 in Jahangir Puri, 17 in Shalimar Bagh, and 28 in Wazirpur. These included 47 instances of biomass/MSW burning (12 in Jahangir Puri, 14 in Shalimar Bagh and 21 in Wazirpur) and 18 instances of MSW dumping (8 in Jahangir Puri, 3 in Shalimar Bagh and 7 in Wazirpur), said a statement.

Biomass burning was largely observed along roadsides, near tea stalls, shops and open spaces, mainly for heating during night hours. MSW dumping and accumulation were found at roadside locations, near markets, industrial pockets, parks and garbage-vulnerable points.

The findings highlight the need for enhanced vigilance during evening and night hours, particularly in densely populated residential areas and industrial pockets. Localised issues, including waste dumping and burning, continue to remain significant contributors to air pollution during the ongoing winter season and require sustained preventive and enforcement measures, said the statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The report about 65 incidents of waste burning and dumping in just one night is shocking! 😔 This is a major local contributor that we often ignore while blaming stubble or vehicles. People need to be more responsible, and MCD needs better waste management. Our health is at stake.
R
Rohit P
Banning BS-IV diesel vehicles from outside Delhi will hit small businesses and transport hard. While I understand the need for clean air, there has to be a better plan. What about improving public transport first? The Metro is always overcrowded.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality is a constant concern. It's good to see night-time inspections like 'Operation Clean Air'. Enforcement is key. But will these actions continue after a few days, or is it just for show? Hope for sustained efforts.
V
Vikram M
The real problem is coordination between Delhi, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan. Delhi can't solve this alone. GRAP is a good framework, but implementation across NCR is weak. We need a unified authority with real teeth, not just committees issuing circulars.
M
Meera T
My children haven't been able to play outside for weeks. It's heartbreaking. The mention of biomass burning near tea stalls for heating is so real. Can't we provide cleaner, affordable heating alternatives to these small vendors? It's a public health emergency. 🙏

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