Delhi Invokes Stage 2 Pollution Plan as Air Quality Drops

The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi and the National Capital Region on November 2, 2026. The decision followed a sharp decline in air quality, with the Air Quality Index rising from 117 on October 31 to 324 on Monday, placing the city in the very poor category.

Implemented ahead of Diwali, the restrictions prohibit coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels and restaurants, limit diesel generator use to emergency services, and increase parking charges to reduce private vehicle traffic. Authorities also mandated mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling. Additionally, government and private offices must restrict physical attendance by 50% until January 31. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest very poor air quality will persist for seven to 10 days.

The Indian National Congress criticized the government of Narendra Modi for the deterioration. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that the National Clean Air Programme neglects PM2.5 pollution, which he called the real killer for public health. Ramesh noted that India's PM2.5 safety standards are four to eight times higher than World Health Organization averages and demanded an urgent revision and strict enforcement of these standards.