Delhi Invokes GRAP-1 Restrictions as Air Quality Hits Poor

The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-National Capital Region on October 21, 2026. The decision followed a sharp rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed from 179 on October 20 to between 238 and 245 by Wednesday afternoon, placing the air quality in the poor category.

Immediate restrictions include a ban on coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels and restaurants, limits on diesel generator use, and strict dust control at construction sites. Authorities are also impounding visibly polluting vehicles and maintaining bans on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced further winter measures effective November 1, including a No PUCC, No Fuel rule and a ban on non-BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi. The government will also mandate a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government and private employees and double parking charges at authorized facilities through January 31.

To support these efforts, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will operate 20 additional weekday trips starting October 22 to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. The transit authority has also deployed over 250 anti-smog and mist guns at stations and construction sites to mitigate dust levels.