Delhi's air quality has plummeted to "Severe+" levels, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This decision, made on Saturday, December 13, 2025, came just hours after GRAP Stage III restrictions were put in place, highlighting the rapid deterioration of air quality in the region.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has consistently worsened throughout the day. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the AQI at 431 at 4 PM, climbing to 441 by 6 PM, and reaching 448 by 7 PM. Some areas within Delhi NCR recorded even higher AQI values, with Anand Vihar at 488, Bawana at 496, and Chandini Chowk at 479. Stage IV of GRAP is invoked when the AQI breaches the 450 mark, signaling the need for emergency measures.
Under GRAP IV, a series of stricter measures are now in effect, building upon the restrictions already in place under Stages I, II, and III. These include a complete halt to all construction and demolition activities, encompassing earthwork, excavation, and structural work. The operation of stone crushers, brick kilns, hot mix plants, and mining units has also been suspended. Industrial units relying on coal, furnace oil, or other unapproved fuels have been ordered to shut down.
To reduce vehicular emissions, the entry of diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi is now prohibited, with exemptions only for vehicles carrying essential commodities. The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is also banned. Non-essential inter-state diesel buses that are not BS-VI compliant, electric, or CNG are also barred from entering the city.
In an effort to protect children's health, the government has advised schools to shift to online classes. Schools have been instructed to offer both physical and online classes wherever feasible until further orders. While GRAP IV mandates a hybrid mode for classes up to V in Delhi and key NCR cities and advises the same for Classes up to XII, the final decision rests with the state governments.
Additionally, all government and private offices in Delhi are required to operate with only 50% of their staff physically present, with the remaining employees working from home. Private entities are also urged to implement staggered working hours where feasible and ensure strict compliance with work-from-home norms to minimize vehicular movement related to office commutes.
The CAQM attributes the spike in pollution levels to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere, unfavorable meteorological conditions, and poor dispersal of pollutants. The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that the AQI will remain in the 'severe' category on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Despite the current crisis, Delhi has recorded zero incidents of stubble burning this year, despite nearly 7,000 acres under paddy cultivation. The Delhi Chief Minister's Office credited strict monitoring and strong cooperation from farmers for this achievement.
