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Delhi Upgrades to GRAP‑II Pollution Controls as Air Quality Deteriorates
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 03:01 AM
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The capital city has moved to the stricter GRAP‑II pollution curbs after a sharp fall in air quality, prompting tighter emission limits on industries and vehicles.
Delhi's environmental authorities announced on Monday that the city will adopt the second tier of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP‑II) in response to a sudden dip in air quality indices. The decision follows readings that placed the capital well above the permissible PM2.5 and PM10 limits for several consecutive days.
Under GRAP‑II, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will enforce stricter measures, including a ban on the use of diesel generators, tighter restrictions on construction dust, and a reduction in permissible emissions from small and medium‑scale industries. Public transport operators are also instructed to increase the share of electric and CNG vehicles on the roads.
The move aims to curb the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smog, which has been linked to respiratory ailments and heightened hospital admissions during the winter months. Officials warned that the curbs will remain in force until air quality improves to safe levels, as indicated by the National Air Quality Index.
Citizens are urged to limit non‑essential travel, avoid open burning of waste, and adopt personal protective measures such as wearing N95 masks when outdoors. The DPCC will monitor compliance through real‑time sensors installed across the city and will publish daily updates on the government's portal.
The GRAP‑II activation marks the most aggressive pollution response since the 2019 Delhi smog crisis, reflecting growing concerns over public health and the need for coordinated action among municipal bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Under GRAP‑II, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will enforce stricter measures, including a ban on the use of diesel generators, tighter restrictions on construction dust, and a reduction in permissible emissions from small and medium‑scale industries. Public transport operators are also instructed to increase the share of electric and CNG vehicles on the roads.
The move aims to curb the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smog, which has been linked to respiratory ailments and heightened hospital admissions during the winter months. Officials warned that the curbs will remain in force until air quality improves to safe levels, as indicated by the National Air Quality Index.
Citizens are urged to limit non‑essential travel, avoid open burning of waste, and adopt personal protective measures such as wearing N95 masks when outdoors. The DPCC will monitor compliance through real‑time sensors installed across the city and will publish daily updates on the government's portal.
The GRAP‑II activation marks the most aggressive pollution response since the 2019 Delhi smog crisis, reflecting growing concerns over public health and the need for coordinated action among municipal bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.