Delhi-NCR Under GRAP 1: The Curbs, the Bans and the Rules to Know

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 12:10

On 20th October, Delhi's air was merely 'moderate', with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 179. By 2 pm on Wednesday, it had climbed to 244. That jump was enough for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP 1, across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect.

Photo Credit: Chat GPT

The measures have been invoked for the first time this season. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest the air will stay in the 'poor' category over the coming days.

What GRAP 1 Means

GRAP is a ladder of emergency measures, with each rung tied to an AQI band. Stage 1 applies when the AQI falls between 201 and 300. Under the revised framework approved in September 2026, Stage 1 carries 25 action points covering construction dust, transport emissions, waste burning and industrial pollution.

It is the mildest stage, built for early intervention. The aim is to stop the air from sliding further, not to disrupt daily life. The directions cover Delhi and the NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

What Is Banned Under GRAP 1

Open burning: Waste, biomass and leaves cannot be burnt in the open, and surveillance at landfills and dumpsites has been stepped up.
Coal and firewood in tandoors: Hotels, restaurants and open eateries must switch to electricity, gas or other approved clean fuels.
Regular diesel generator use: Generator sets cannot serve as a regular power source, with provisions for essential services.
Careless construction: Sites must cover materials and debris, use covered vehicles for transport and sprinkle water. Projects of 500 square metres or more face registration and monitoring requirements.
Non-compliant intercity buses: Electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses are permitted, while buses that do not meet the rules are restricted.

What Else Changes on the Ground

Expect more mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling and stricter checks on Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, along with action against visibly polluting vehicles. Restrictions on overage petrol and diesel vehicles will also be enforced. Residents have been urged to follow the Stage 1 citizen charter.

Delhi's government has announced its own measures alongside. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said vehicles without a valid PUC certificate would not be supplied fuel and parking charges would be doubled, except at Metro facilities. Staggered hours and work from home are planned for municipal and government offices, and 608 anti-smog guns and 1,150 mist-spray units have been deployed.

What Happens If the Air Gets Worse

Higher stages bring tougher curbs. Stage 2 applies at AQI 301 to 400, Stage 3 at 401 to 450 and Stage 4 above 450. CAQM's GRAP sub-committee will keep tracking readings and forecasts before deciding on further action.

Stage 1 is a warning shot, not a lockdown. It works only if agencies enforce it and residents play along, from keeping PUC certificates valid to skipping the open fire. How far the AQI climbs from 244 will decide whether it stays the mildest chapter of this winter.