New Delhi: With Delhi’s air quality deteriorating sharply and the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark on Tuesday morning, the Delhi government has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control pollution levels in the national capital and surrounding areas.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall AQI rose from 362 on Monday to 429 by 11:30 am on Tuesday pushing the city’s air quality into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.
Out of 39 monitoring stations across Delhi-NCR, 38 recorded severe pollution levels. The highest AQI readings were reported from Mundka (464), RK Puram (458), Mathura Road (458), Nehru Nagar (456), and ITO (452).
To curb the rising pollution, authorities have announced several restrictions and guidelines under GRAP-III, which came into effect immediately on Tuesday.
What’s Banned Under GRAP-III?
All non-essential construction and demolition work is completely prohibited. This includes activities such as earth excavation, piling, laying sewer lines, and electric cables through open trench systems, as well as the operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants.
Private BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are not allowed to operate in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
A ban on diesel-run BS-IV medium goods vehicles and BS-IV or lower diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi has also been imposed, except those carrying essential goods or providing essential services.
What’s Allowed Under GRAP-III?
Public and essential projects such as railway, metro, airport, defence, sanitation, and healthcare construction work are allowed to continue. However, these projects must strictly follow **dust and waste management rules.
Work-from-home or hybrid models are advised for private offices to reduce vehicle emissions.
Schools are often advised to shift to online classes when GRAP-III is active, though the Delhi government has not yet announced any closure of educational institutions.
Understanding the AQI Levels
100–200: Moderate – May cause breathing discomfort to people with asthma or heart/lung diseases.
201–300: Poor – Can cause breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure.
301–400: Very Poor – May cause respiratory illness with long-term exposure.
401–500: Severe – Affects even healthy individuals and severely impacts those with existing illnesses.
As Delhi continues to choke under thick smog, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, use public transport where possible, and follow all guidelines under GRAP-III to help improve air quality in the region.
