Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Very Poor' and 'Severe'
The air quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) plummeted to the 'very poor' category, with some areas even registering 'severe' levels, just ahead of the Diwali festival. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, which was 296 (poor) at 4 pm, worsened to 306 (very poor) by 10 pm. By Monday morning, October 20, 2025, Diwali day, the overall AQI stood at 337, firmly in the 'very poor' range. Several monitoring stations reported alarming figures, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 417, placing it in the 'severe' category. Other areas like Wazirpur (364), Vivek Vihar (351), and Dwarka (335) also experienced 'very poor' air quality.
GRAP-2 Measures Activated by CAQM
In response to the escalating pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) across Delhi-NCR. This decision, which came into effect on Sunday, October 19, 2025, supplements the existing GRAP-1 measures and aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality. GRAP is an emergency framework designed to control and reduce air pollution based on real-time monitoring of air quality.
Key Restrictions Under GRAP-2 Include:
- A ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries.
- Limitations and a ban on the operation of diesel generator sets, except for emergency and essential services.
- Stricter enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
- Daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads, along with regular water sprinkling using dust suppressants.
- Enhanced parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles.
- Increased frequency of bus and metro services to promote public transport.
- Restrictions on the entry of inter-state buses, allowing only Electric Vehicles (EVs), CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles.
Contributing Factors and Public Advisory
The worsening air quality is attributed to a combination of factors, including unfavorable meteorological conditions such as calm winds and falling temperatures that trap pollutants near the surface. Vehicular emissions and stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana are also significant contributors. While the Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of 'green crackers' for limited hours during Diwali, the impact of firecracker emissions remains a concern.
The CAQM has also issued advisories for citizens, encouraging them to prefer public transport over private vehicles, limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups, and use masks when venturing outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid burning garbage, leaves, or other biomass materials.
8 Comments
Africa
GRAP-2 is essential, better late than never. Protect our lungs!
Muchacho
It's good that the CAQM is taking action, especially with public transport promotion, but the focus on Diwali feels a bit scapegoating. Major contributors like industrial emissions and stubble burning need more consistent, aggressive tackling.
Habibi
Encouraging public transport and limiting private vehicles is a sensible strategy to reduce emissions. Still, the underlying infrastructure needs massive improvement to truly support a full shift away from personal cars for everyone.
Bella Ciao
Finally, some decisive action! This pollution is unbearable.
Muchacha
While GRAP-2 is a necessary step given the severe AQI, these last-minute bans always feel like a band-aid solution. We need year-round, proactive policies, not just emergency measures.
BuggaBoom
Good to see CAQM stepping up. Public health must come first.
lettlelenok
Support these curbs fully. Hopefully, it makes a difference.
ytkonos
The restrictions on C&D sites and road sweeping are positive steps to control dust, which is a major pollutant. However, without stricter enforcement on all sources, including neighboring states' agricultural practices, the improvements might be limited.