Delhi's air quality has plummeted to the 'severe' category for the first time this season, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The decision, effective November 11, 2025, follows a sharp deterioration in the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI), which surged from 362 ('Very Poor') on Monday to 425 ('Severe') on Tuesday morning.
The implementation of GRAP Stage III brings a series of stringent restrictions into force with immediate effect across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. A complete ban has been imposed on non-essential construction and demolition activities, including earthwork, piling, and the operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants. Stone crushers and mining operations have also been ordered to shut down. Essential public projects, including railways, metro construction, airports, defense, sanitation, and healthcare, are exempt but must adhere to strict dust and waste management guidelines.
A key measure under GRAP III is the restriction on vehicular emissions. The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is strictly prohibited in Delhi and its neighboring NCR districts. Vehicles used by persons with disabilities are exempt from this ban. This ban targets older vehicles that emit higher levels of particulate matter and NOx. Introduced nationwide in 2010, BS-III norms were followed by BS-IV standards in April 2017; all diesel cars sold before April 2020 fall under the BS-IV category. Violators could face fines of up to ₹20,000.
Schools are also affected, with institutions required to shift classes up to Class 5 to a hybrid learning mode, offering parents and students the option to choose online education where available. Authorities are advising residents, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor exposure amid the hazardous air conditions.
The CAQM attributed the steep rise in pollution levels to adverse weather conditions, including calm winds and a stable atmosphere, which have allowed pollutants to accumulate near the surface. Several areas in Delhi recorded AQI levels well above 400, with Bawana registering the highest at 462. Other areas with severe AQI levels include Anand Vihar (412), Alipur (442), Chandni Chowk (416), RK Puram (446) and Patparganj (438). Out of Delhi's 39 active monitoring stations, 34 recorded 'Severe' AQI levels.
The restrictions enforced under GRAP Stage III will remain in place until the air quality improves and the AQI readings remain consistently below 400 for a sustained period. The central government and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging citizens to cooperate in implementing these measures to mitigate the impact of the severe air pollution.
