New Delhi, November 6, 2026: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as air pollution worsened ahead of Diwali.
The decision comes amid concerns over deteriorating air quality in the national capital, with weather forecasts indicating that pollution levels could enter the severe category between November 7 and 9.
Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 382 on Thursday, November 5, placing it in the very poor category. The CAQM invoked Stage III as a precautionary measure to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
The latest restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR. Activities such as earthwork, piling, trenching and other dust-generating operations will face curbs. The open-air operation of ready-mix concrete plants has also been prohibited.
The movement of construction materials, including sand and cement, will face restrictions in specified areas. Stone crushers and mining operations will remain suspended, while hot-mix plants that do not use approved clean fuels will be required to shut down.
The Stage III measures also include restrictions on older, more polluting vehicles.
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will not be allowed to operate in Delhi and specified NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sonipat.
The revised GRAP schedule also provides for restrictions on certain diesel-operated goods vehicles registered outside Delhi.
To minimise exposure to polluted air, authorities can direct schools up to Class 5 to conduct classes online instead of holding physical lessons.
Government and private offices may also be directed to operate with 50 per cent staff attendance, with the remaining employees working from home. The respective state governments and the Delhi government will take decisions on implementing these arrangements.
Authorities have also been directed to intensify dust-control measures, including mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan, pollution-control measures are implemented in four stages depending on air quality levels.
Stage I applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300, Stage II between 301 and 400, Stage III between 401 and 450, and Stage IV when the AQI exceeds 450.
Although Delhi's average AQI was reported at 382 on Thursday, the CAQM invoked Stage III as a precautionary measure in view of forecasts predicting severe pollution between November 7 and 9.
The decision comes after Stage II restrictions were implemented across Delhi-NCR on November 2.
With Diwali approaching, authorities are expected to closely monitor pollution levels and enforce the prescribed measures to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
The restrictions will remain subject to further directions and reviews by the CAQM.