Current Air Quality Crisis in Delhi
On October 19, 2025, Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 296, classified as ‘Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). By 6 PM, the hourly AQI escalated to 300, and further deteriorated to 302 by 7 PM, entering the ‘Very Poor’ category. This alarming trend prompted the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to convene an urgent meeting to assess the air quality and meteorological conditions.
Decision to Invoke Stage-II of GRAP
Following a comprehensive review of air quality data, weather conditions, and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the CAQM Sub-Committee decided to activate the 12-point action plan under Stage-II of GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This immediate action aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.
Implementation of Stage-II Measures
All measures outlined under Stage-II of GRAP, applicable when Delhi’s AQI ranges between 301 and 400 (‘Very Poor’), are now in effect across NCR. These measures complement the ongoing Stage-I actions, with responsible agencies, including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), tasked with ensuring strict compliance.
Citizen Responsibilities Under Stage-II GRAP
The CAQM urges citizens to follow the Citizen Charter for Stage-II and Stage-I of GRAP to support air quality improvement efforts. Key recommendations include:
- Opt for public transport to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
- Use technology to choose less congested routes, even if slightly longer.
- Regularly replace air filters in vehicles as per recommended intervals.
- Avoid dust-generating construction activities from October to January.
- Refrain from open burning of solid waste and biomass.
12-Point Action Plan for Stage-II GRAP
The following measures are now enforced across NCR to address air pollution:
- Enhanced Road Cleaning: Conduct daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, with increased deployment of cleaning machines.
- Dust Suppression: Sprinkle water with dust suppressants on roads and hotspots, especially before peak traffic hours, and ensure proper disposal of collected dust.
- Stricter Construction Oversight: Intensify inspections to enforce dust control at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
- Hotspot Management: Implement targeted actions to address pollution in identified NCR hotspots, focusing on dominant pollution sources.
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: Ensure continuous electricity to minimize reliance on diesel generator (DG) sets.
- Regulated DG Set Operations: Enforce strict regulations on DG sets as per Direction No. 76 (dated September 29, 2023), with specific emission control measures based on capacity.
- Traffic Management: Synchronize traffic flow and deploy personnel at congestion points to ensure smooth movement.
- Public Awareness: Use media channels to inform citizens about air pollution levels and provide guidance on reducing polluting activities.
- Parking Fee Adjustments: Increase parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.
- Public Transport Enhancement: Augment CNG/electric bus and metro services, with higher frequency and differential pricing for off-peak travel.
- Preventing Biomass Burning: Resident Welfare Associations must provide electric heaters to staff to avoid open burning of biomass or municipal solid waste during winter.
- Inter-State Bus Regulations: Prohibit entry of non-EV, non-CNG, or non-BS-VI diesel inter-state buses into Delhi, except those with All India Tourist Permits.
Regulations for Diesel Generator (DG) Sets
The operation of DG sets is strictly regulated to reduce emissions, with specific guidelines based on capacity:
| Capacity Range | Emission Control System | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| LPG/Natural Gas/Bio-gas/Propane/Butane DG Sets | None | No restrictions |
| Up to 800 kW (1000 kVA) meeting MoEFCC standards | None | No restrictions |
| 800 kW (1000 kVA) and above (older standards) | Any emission control system meeting standards | No restrictions |
| 41 kW (51 kVA) to 800 kW (1000 kVA) | Dual fuel mode or retro-fitted ECDs | No restrictions |
| 19 kW (23 kVA) to 41 kW (51 kVA) | Dual fuel mode | No restrictions |
| Below 19 kW (23 kVA) | No specific emission control available | Not permitted except for emergency services |
Note: Emergency services include elevators, medical facilities, railway/metro services, airports, bus terminals, sewage treatment, water pumping, national security projects, and telecommunications/IT services.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Actions
The CAQM will continue to monitor air quality closely and review the situation regularly. The full GRAP schedule is available on the CAQM’s official website at https://caqm.nic.in.
Meta Description: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR has invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to Delhi’s worsening air quality, with a 12-point action plan to curb pollution.