Delhi-NCR Imposes GRAP Stage 3 as Air Quality Reaches Very Poor Levels

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan into effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region on November 6, 2026. Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index stood at 382, placing it in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board bulletin. Thirty of 59 monitoring stations in the city recorded severe readings by 9 a.m.

Stage 3 measures ban construction and demolition activity that generates dust, with limited exceptions. They also prohibit BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles from operating in Delhi and in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Schools for students up to grade 5 shift to hybrid mode in those districts. Diesel generator sets may operate only for emergency services. Private firms are advised to allow work-from-home arrangements where possible.

The decision followed a review of current readings and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Officials noted unfavourable meteorological conditions that limited dispersion of pollutants. Forecasts indicated the AQI would slip into the severe category in coming days. Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures had already been in force for several days as readings climbed from 324 on November 3 to 369 on November 5 and then 382 on November 6.

Punjabi Bagh, Rohini and RK Puram ranked among the highest station readings, with several exceeding 440. Anand Vihar and areas near India Gate also registered elevated levels. Authorities deployed water sprinklers in some locations as part of earlier stages, but the additional restrictions aim to limit further emissions from vehicles, construction and industry.

Stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana continues to contribute to the seasonal load. NASA satellite counts recorded 226 farm fires on November 5. Urban sources, including vehicle exhaust and road dust, account for a larger share of the measured PM2.5 on most days. The combination of stagnant winds near the surface and a temperature inversion traps pollutants close to the ground overnight.

Diwali falls within the next few days. Firecracker use has historically added to peak readings, although enforcement of bans has varied. The CAQM statement emphasised immediate implementation by all concerned agencies. Compliance teams will monitor vehicle restrictions and construction sites. Residents in the affected districts face shorter school schedules for younger children and reduced options for private transport in older vehicles.

The measures remain temporary and will be reviewed as conditions change. Previous seasons have shown that Stage 3 and Stage 4 interventions can slow the rate of deterioration when meteorological conditions remain adverse, though they do not reverse the underlying sources of emissions. Air quality data will continue to be published daily by the Central Pollution Control Board.