New Delhi, 19 Oct. 25— The Centre’s air quality panel on Saturday invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after pollution levels worsened and the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 300 mark, slipping into the “very poor” category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the decision followed a review by the Sub-Committee on GRAP, which examined pollution trends and forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Both agencies predicted a further deterioration in air quality in the coming days.
“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and was recorded at 296 at 4 p.m. and 302 at 7 p.m.,” the CAQM said in a statement. It directed authorities to enforce all Stage II measures with immediate effect, in addition to the Stage I curbs that have been in place since October 14.
The air quality panel has also directed all implementing agencies to maintain strict vigilance, particularly on dust mitigation measures, and to ensure adherence to the timelines specified under the comprehensive policy for curbing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Under Stage II of GRAP, intensified actions include mechanical or vacuum sweeping and regular water sprinkling on identified roads, preferably before peak traffic hours, to control road dust. Authorities have also been asked to step up inspections at construction and demolition sites to ensure full compliance with dust control protocols.
To promote cleaner mobility, the plan mandates augmentation of public transport through additional deployment of CNG and electric buses, as well as higher frequency of metro services. The CAQM has advised transport authorities to introduce differential fare rates to encourage commuters to travel during off-peak hours.
Resident welfare associations (RWAs) have been told to provide electric heaters to guards, gardeners and sanitation workers during winter to prevent open burning of biomass or solid waste. The panel also ordered restrictions on the entry of inter-state buses into Delhi, allowing only those running on CNG, electricity or BS-VI diesel. Tourist buses operating under all-India permits, however, remain exempt.
“Effective implementation of GRAP measures at the right time is essential to prevent the air quality from worsening further,” a senior CAQM official mentioned, adding that coordination between enforcement agencies was being closely monitored.
GRAP categorises air quality into four escalating stages — Stage I (Poor, AQI 201–300), Stage II (Very Poor, 301–400), Stage III (Severe, 401–450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, above 450).
With winter approaching and meteorological conditions becoming less favourable for pollutant dispersion, officials said early intervention under Stage II is aimed at slowing down the city’s slide toward the “severe” category.
