Delhi-NCR: GRAP-2 Curbs Imposed as Air Quality Dips Ahead of Diwali

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 19, 2025: With Delhi’s air quality deteriorating sharply ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday invoked Stage-II restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and adjoining areas.

The decision comes just days after Stage-I curbs were enforced for the first time this season. The CAQM said the Air Quality Index (AQI) has continued to worsen through the day — from 296 at 4 p.m. to 302 by 7 p.m. — and is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days, as per forecasts by IMD and IITM.

Under GRAP-2, restrictions will be imposed on the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator sets in the National Capital Region (NCR). Authorities will carry out daily road sweeping and water sprinkling to curb dust pollution, while measures will also be taken to reduce traffic congestion.

These steps are in addition to GRAP-1 measures, which include a ban on construction activities without dust mitigation, mandatory water sprinkling at project sites, stricter checks on polluting industries, and enhanced CNG compliance for public transport vehicles.

The CAQM has urged citizens to use public transport and avoid activities that could worsen pollution levels. Experts have warned that air quality could further decline after Diwali due to the bursting of firecrackers and unfavourable weather conditions that prevent pollutant dispersion.

According to the AQI scale, readings between 201 and 300 are classified as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’. Last year, Delhi-NCR recorded more than 50 ‘severe’ air quality days.