Delhi-NCR air quality deteriorates; Centre enforces stage III curbs under GRAP

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday imposed stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, following a sharp spike in air pollution levels that pushed the city’s air quality into the ‘severe’ category.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed drastically from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, mainly due to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and other weather conditions that prevented pollutants from dispersing.

Under Stage III of GRAP, authorities have announced a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work, along with the closure of stone crushers and mining activities in the region.

These curbs come in addition to the restrictions already in force under Stages I and II, which include measures such as curbing vehicular emissions, road dust control, and the regulation of industrial operations.

The CAQM urged residents and authorities to comply strictly with the enhanced curbs and adopt pollution-mitigation practices, including the use of public transport, reduced vehicle usage, and avoidance of open burning.

Officials said the measures would remain in place until there is a significant improvement in the city’s air quality. The CAQM continues to monitor the situation closely and will review the restrictions based on meteorological forecasts and pollution trends.

Data that shows other picture:- The average AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi for the period between 1st January – 9th November 2025, has been recorded 175, which was 189 during the corresponding period of last year.

PM2.5 and PM10 concentration levels are 75 µg/m3 and 170 µg/m3 respectively during this period, as against 87 µg/m3 and 191 µg/m3 respectively during the corresponding period last year.

A decline in Farm Fire Incidents has also been observed this year in Punjab and Haryana.

Between 15th September and 9th November 2025, Punjab recorded 4,062 fire events as against 6,266 (i.e. 35.2% decline) during the corresponding period in 2024. Haryana registered only 333 fire counts this year compared to 959 (65.3% decline) witnessed during the corresponding period of last year.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is actively reviewing on-ground situation with Senior Officers of the State Governments of Punjab and Haryana and other concerned agencies.