Delhi-NCR is under GRAP Stage 1 restrictions from October 21, 2026, after the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 245 in the ‘Poor’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated 25 pollution-control measures across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect.
The restrictions focus on construction dust, vehicle emissions, waste burning and industrial pollution. Schools and offices remain open under Stage 1, while construction is allowed where applicable dust-control requirements are met.
Key Highlights
- Delhi’s AQI increased from 179 on October 20 to 245 on October 21.
- GRAP Stage 1 applies when AQI reaches the Poor category of 201–300.
- CAQM activated all 25 Stage 1 measures across Delhi-NCR.
- Construction, vehicle pollution, and open waste burning face stricter enforcement.
- Stage 1 does not automatically close schools or offices.
Why Did Delhi Implement GRAP Stage 1 on October 21, 2026?
Delhi’s daily average AQI stood at 179 on October 20, within the Moderate category. By 2 PM on October 21, it had reached 244. The 4 PM reading was 245, an increase of 66 points compared with the previous day’s figure.
The Ministry of Environment’s October 21 announcement confirmed the decision. CAQM reviewed the Central Pollution Control Board’s readings alongside forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Those forecasts suggested that Delhi’s air could remain Poor over the following days.
GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, introduces progressively stricter controls as pollution increases. The September 2026 revised schedule contains 25 measures under Stage 1. CAQM also shared the activation notice through its official X account.
Which Restrictions Apply Under GRAP Stage 1 in Delhi-NCR?
Stage 1 primarily requires authorities to enforce existing pollution rules more strictly. Residents may notice more vehicle inspections, road cleaning, and construction-site checks.
The main measures include:
- Construction: Projects on plots of 500 square metres or more cannot carry out construction and demolition work without mandatory portal registration and compliance with dust-control directions.
- Road dust: Agencies must increase mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling, and dust suppression.
- Vehicles: Authorities must inspect visibly polluting vehicles, enforce valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) requirements and act against overage vehicles.
- Waste burning: Open burning of garbage and biomass is prohibited, with penalties for violations.
- Restaurants: Hotels, roadside eateries and commercial kitchens cannot use coal or firewood in tandoors.
- Diesel generators: Routine use is restricted, with exemptions and operating requirements depending on capacity and emissions compliance.
- Interstate buses: Non-compliant intercity and interstate buses are restricted from plying in Delhi-NCR. Permitted categories include electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses.
Authorities must also inspect polluting industries, improve traffic movement and increase public transport availability.
One distinction is important for builders. Stage 1 does not impose a blanket ban on construction. The restriction on larger unregistered or non-compliant projects is different from the broader construction curbs introduced during higher GRAP stages.
Are Schools, Offices and Private Vehicles Affected by GRAP Stage 1?
For most residents, regular travel, office attendance and classroom teaching continue.
Stage 1 does not itself require schools to shift online or private companies to introduce compulsory work-from-home arrangements. Offices are encouraged to arrange shared employee transport to reduce congestion.
Private cars are not universally banned. However, vehicles violating existing emission requirements may face enforcement action.
Delhi’s pollution response becomes stricter if AQI deteriorates further.
| GRAP Stage | AQI Range | Air Quality |
| Stage 1 | 201–300 | Poor |
| Stage 2 | 301–400 | Very Poor |
| Stage 3 | 401–450 | Severe |
| Stage 4 | Above 450 | Severe Plus |
CAQM considers weather forecasts and may introduce higher-stage measures before the corresponding AQI threshold is reached.
The CPCB’s official AQI guidance warns that prolonged exposure to Poor-category air can cause breathing discomfort for many people.
How Can Delhi Residents Check AQI and Report Pollution?
CAQM has asked residents to follow its Stage 1 Citizens’ Charter. Several recommendations relate to everyday travel and waste disposal.
- Check local air quality through the SAMEER app and GRAP orders through the CAQM website.
- Keep vehicle PUC certificates current and avoid unnecessary engine idling.
- Use public transport or shared travel where practical.
- Report waste burning, excessive construction dust and other pollution through SAMEER, Green Delhi or the 311 app.
The next decision depends on Delhi’s air quality and official forecasts. CAQM will continue reviewing conditions and may retain, withdraw, or strengthen restrictions.
Residents can follow CAQM’s official website for new orders rather than relying on unverified messages about school closures or vehicle bans.
FAQs
1. Is GRAP Stage 1 active in Delhi on October 22, 2026?
Yes. CAQM activated Stage 1 across Delhi-NCR on October 21, 2026. The measures remain applicable unless the commission issues a subsequent order changing or withdrawing them.
2. Are Delhi schools closed under GRAP Stage 1?
No. Stage 1 does not automatically require school closures or online classes. Any such change would need a separate instruction from the relevant education authorities.
3. Is construction banned under GRAP Stage 1?
Not completely. Projects covering at least 500 square metres require mandatory registration and dust-control compliance. Other construction sites must also follow applicable pollution-control regulations.
4. Are petrol and diesel cars banned during Stage 1?
There is no blanket ban on private petrol and diesel cars. Authorities enforce existing restrictions on overage vehicles and take action against visibly polluting vehicles.
5. What happens if Delhi’s AQI crosses 300?
An AQI above 300 enters the Very Poor category associated with GRAP Stage 2. CAQM reviews pollution forecasts before deciding whether additional restrictions are necessary.
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