Delhi Imposes GRAP-3 Curbs as Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' Category

Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe'

New Delhi, India – The national capital, Delhi, has once again been placed under stringent anti-pollution measures as its Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to the 'severe' category. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas announced the immediate implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The decision came after the city's AQI crossed the 400-mark, reaching approximately 401-405 by noon on Saturday, a significant rise from the 'very poor' category (386) recorded the previous day. This level of pollution poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key Restrictions Under GRAP-3

GRAP Stage III, activated when the AQI falls between 401 and 450, mandates a series of emergency measures designed to curb further deterioration of air quality. The restrictions include:

• A complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, encompassing earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tiling, and flooring.
• Prohibition of operations for stone crushers, brick kilns, and mining activities.
• Restrictions on the entry of older diesel goods vehicles into Delhi.
• A ban on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and its NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
• Advisory for schools up to Class 5 to switch to a hybrid mode of learning.
• Recommendation for offices in the region to operate with 50% staff strength, encouraging work-from-home for private companies.
• Intensified frequency of mechanised sweeping of roads and daily water sprinkling.
• Further intensification of public transport services.

Causes and Escalation

Environmental experts and the CAQM attributed the sharp spike in pollution to a combination of factors. These include stagnant wind conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal factors such as crop residue burning in neighboring states. A 'feeble Western Disturbance' also contributed by reducing wind speed, shifting wind direction, and increasing moisture content, leading to poor dispersion and trapping of pollutants.

The deteriorating conditions prompted a rapid escalation of measures. Hours after GRAP-3 was imposed, with the AQI continuing its upward trend, the CAQM further invoked GRAP-4 (Severe+) later on the same day, December 13, 2025, indicating an even more critical air quality situation.

Public Health Advisory

The severe air quality has led to dense haze and reduced visibility across the city, impacting daily life and raising significant health concerns. Authorities have advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when stepping out.