Delhi Reimposes GRAP Stage III as Air Quality Slips Back into ‘Severe’ Zone

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Saturday, December 13, that Stage III of GRAP would come into force with immediate effect as pollution levels reached the “severe” category. According to official assessments, Delhi’s air quality index has climbed into the 401–450 range, a threshold that triggers stricter curbs under the existing pollution control framework.

In its formal order, the CAQM stated that the move was taken after reviewing the prevailing air quality trends and forecasts indicating a risk of further deterioration. The Sub-Committee on GRAP decided to implement all actions prescribed under Stage III in addition to the measures already enforced under Stages I and II. The directive mandates all concerned agencies in Delhi and the wider NCR to act promptly and ensure strict compliance.

Stage III of GRAP entails intensified restrictions aimed at curbing major sources of pollution, particularly those linked to construction activity, industrial emissions, and vehicular movement. These measures are designed to arrest the worsening air quality during critical periods, especially in winter months when adverse meteorological conditions exacerbate pollution levels.

Authorities have emphasized that the renewed enforcement is preventive in nature, intended to stabilise air quality before it escalates into an emergency situation. The responsibility for implementation lies with multiple civic, administrative, and enforcement agencies operating across the Delhi-NCR region, underscoring the coordinated approach required to address the capital’s recurring air pollution crisis.

The reimposition of Stage III highlights the fragile state of Delhi’s air and the persistent challenges faced by policymakers in balancing daily activity with environmental safeguards. As residents brace for tighter controls, the move serves as a reminder of the broader impact of pollution on public health and the urgent need for sustained, long-term solutions beyond seasonal restrictions.