GRAP 2 restrictions imposed in Delhi-NCR as AQI turns ‘very poor’ at 324

Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi-NCR’s emergency anti-pollution plan, came into force with immediate effect on Monday (2 November) after Delhi’s air quality slipped into the ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP 2 across the entire National Capital Region as Delhi’s average AQI reached 324.

Delhi’s air has worsened fast. The city’s AQI was 117, in the ‘moderate’ range, on 31 October and 261, in the ‘poor’ range, on 1 November, before climbing to 324 on Monday, according to the CAQM sub-committee that reviewed the situation.

“All actions as envisaged under Stage-II of the extant GRAP – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI- 301-400), be implemented with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force,” the CAQM said in its order.

“#CAQM invokes Stage-II of #GRAP in the entire #NCR with immediate effect, as #DelhiAQI reaches 324. Citizens are requested to follow the Citizen Charter,” the commission posted on X.

What changes under GRAP 2? Agencies must step up mechanical and vacuum sweeping of roads, sprinkle water with dust suppressants daily on busy roads, target pollution hotspots and intensify checks at construction and demolition sites. Parking fees are to be raised to discourage private vehicles, and resident welfare associations must give electric heaters to security, sanitation and other staff so they don’t burn waste or wood for warmth.

The Delhi government and NCR states have also been told to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Delhi Metro said it will run 20 more train trips on weekdays from Tuesday, taking the number of extra trips on its network to 40.

CAQM said unfavourable weather conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest Delhi’s air will stay in the ‘very poor’ range over the coming days. It has asked people to use public transport, cut down on private vehicle use, avoid dust-raising construction work and not burn waste in the open.

GRAP 2 adds to the Stage 1 curbs in force since 21 October and the 1 November rules, including the entry ban on older non-BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi. The Indian Idiot explained what Stage 2 brings earlier on Monday, and the 1 November rules here.