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Delhi's Air Crisis: Severe Pollution Triggers Stage-III GRAP Curbs Across NCR

Delhi's air quality has taken a sharp turn for the worse, officially entering the 'Severe' category. This has prompted authorities to enforce Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region. The curbs include an immediate ban on certain diesel vehicles entering the city and stricter enforcement at construction sites. Officials blame calm weather conditions for trapping pollutants and say they will keep a close watch on forecasts.

Key Points: Delhi Severe Air Pollution Stage-III GRAP Curbs Enforced

  • AQI crossed 400, pushing Delhi into the 'Severe' pollution category
  • Stage-III GRAP imposes immediate bans on BS-IV diesel LCVs from outside Delhi
  • Unfavourable weather with low wind speed is trapping pollutants over the region
  • All NCR agencies must ensure strict compliance with the new emergency measures
2 min read

Delhi slips into 'severe' air category, stage-III GRAP curbs enforced across NCR

Delhi's AQI breaches 400, entering 'Severe' category. Stage-III GRAP curbs are now in force across NCR, banning certain diesel vehicles and intensifying pollution checks.

"adverse meteorological conditions, including very low wind speed, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable dispersion parameters, have led to the trapping of pollutants - Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)"

New Delhi, Dec 13

With air quality in the national capital deteriorating sharply, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, placing the region in the ‘Severe’ pollution category.

The decision was taken after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark on Friday morning, touching 401 by 10 am.

Data reviewed by the Sub-Committee on GRAP showed a steady worsening trend over the past three days, with AQI levels rising from 259 on December 10 to 307 on December 11 and 349 on December 12, before breaching the ‘Severe’ threshold.

According to CAQM, adverse meteorological conditions, including very low wind speed, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable dispersion parameters, have led to the trapping of pollutants over the region.

A shift in wind direction to easterlies has further aggravated PM2.5 concentrations, the dominant winter pollutant, with nearly all monitoring stations in Delhi reporting high fine particulate matter levels.

Under Stage-III GRAP, all actions prescribed for ‘Severe’ air quality will come into force with immediate effect, in addition to the measures already operational under Stages I and II.

These include stricter checks on dust control at construction sites, intensified enforcement against polluting activities and enhanced monitoring by civic and enforcement agencies across the NCR.

Significantly, the CAQM has clarified that BS-IV diesel-operated light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.

The restriction will prevail over earlier relaxations, as GRAP measures are treated as emergency interventions.

However, BS-III and older diesel commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi remain completely barred from entering the capital, even if engaged in essential services, in line with earlier directions effective from November 1, 2025.

The CAQM has asked all implementing agencies in Delhi-NCR to ensure strict compliance and urged citizens to adhere to the GRAP citizen charter.

The Sub-Committee said it will continue to closely monitor air quality and review restrictions based on forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and IITM.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by CAQM. Strict enforcement is needed. But what about the stubble burning in neighbouring states? That's a major contributor every year. Delhi alone can't solve this, it needs a regional approach with Punjab and Haryana.
D
David E
As someone who moved here for work, the air quality is a serious health concern. The restrictions on older vehicles make sense, but public transport needs to be massively improved to compensate. The Metro is overcrowded during these times.
A
Aman W
My delivery business is going to be hit hard with these LCV restrictions. We are essential services for many people. The government should provide clearer guidelines and maybe some support during these periods. Jugaad won't work this time.
S
Shreya B
Respectfully, while the curbs are necessary, the communication is always last minute. We need better forecasting and public awareness campaigns *before* it hits 'severe'. Also, where are the large-scale green drives? Planting saplings is good, but we need mature trees.
V
Vikram M
The citizen charter is important. We all need to do our bit - carpool, use public transport, report violations. It's our city and our health. Let's not just blame authorities. 👍

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