Delhi air quality turns ‘very poor’, CAQM invokes Stage-II GRAP across NCR

An AQI of 324 means Delhi’s daily average air quality was in the “very poor” category. Under the GRAP framework, AQI values from 301 to 400 receive this classification. The number is a combined measure used to describe overall air pollution levels, so a higher score indicates more polluted air.

The change was rapid. Delhi’s AQI reached 324 on November 2, after rising from 117 on October 31 and 261 on November 1. This deterioration prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to activate Stage II of GRAP immediately.

The classification matters because very poor air can create greater health risks, especially for people with respiratory or chronic conditions. The article advises vulnerable residents to limit outdoor exposure, use masks, continue prescribed medicines and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

The Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP, is a staged system for responding to worsening air pollution. Each stage adds measures to those already operating. Stage II applies when Delhi’s AQI reaches between 301 and 400, the “very poor” range.

After the AQI reached 324, authorities had to intensify mechanical and vacuum road sweeping, sprinkle water with dust suppressants and target pollution hotspots. Construction and demolition sites face stronger inspections. Resident Welfare Associations are asked to provide electric heaters for service workers, reducing incentives for open burning.

The plan also allows higher parking fees and staggered working hours at government and municipal offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Residents are urged to use public transport, limit private vehicles, avoid dust-generating work and stop burning waste or biomass.

Delhi’s air quality worsened exceptionally quickly. The daily average AQI was 117, or “moderate,” on October 31. It rose to 261, or “poor,” on November 1, then reached 324, or “very poor,” on November 2.

That means the AQI increased by 207 points in two days. The final reading crossed the GRAP Stage II threshold. Under the framework, Stage II applies when Delhi’s AQI lies between 301 and 400. The Commission for Air Quality Management acted with immediate effect after reviewing air-quality data and forecasts.

The speed of the decline matters because authorities had little time between categories to prepare. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggested that very poor conditions could continue, supporting the decision to impose additional NCR-wide measures.

Stage II brings practical changes for government agencies, businesses and residents. Authorities must increase mechanical and vacuum sweeping, sprinkle water on busy roads before peak traffic and intensify checks at construction and demolition sites. Pollution hotspots receive targeted action based on their main sources.

People may see higher parking fees and staggered working hours at government and municipal offices in several NCR cities. Residents are asked to use public transport, choose less-congested routes, limit private vehicles and avoid dust-generating construction. They should also avoid burning waste or biomass and outdoor cooking or heating that creates smoke.

The measures aim to reduce pollution while preventing fresh emissions. Agencies must dispose of collected road dust at designated sites. Resident Welfare Associations are asked to provide electric heaters to workers, helping prevent winter burning. People with respiratory problems should limit outdoor exposure and use masks.

The Commission for Air Quality Management, or CAQM, ordered Stage II through its sub-committee on GRAP. It reviewed Delhi’s air quality along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. The commission oversees the staged response to worsening pollution.

Its decision applies across the National Capital Region because GRAP directs NCR authorities to take coordinated action. The measures involve Delhi and neighbouring cities, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Pollution-control work therefore cannot be limited to Delhi’s boundaries.

The order requires the Delhi government and concerned NCR state governments to implement the measures. Other NCR districts may consider staggered timings, while the central government may separately decide on office hours. This regional approach allows agencies to target hotspots and major pollution sources together.

Delhi-NCR’s air quality typically deteriorates further between November and February. The article links the latest decline to unfavourable meteorological conditions. Such conditions can reduce the movement and dispersal of polluted air, allowing emissions to remain concentrated near the ground.

The recent episode followed that seasonal pattern. Delhi’s AQI climbed from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 and 324 on November 2. CAQM reviewed forecasts from the IMD and IITM, which indicated that air quality was likely to remain very poor over the coming days.

This seasonal persistence makes early action important. Authorities activated Stage II across the NCR rather than waiting for conditions to improve. The article also notes that Delhi recorded its worst city-wide air quality of 2025 in November, with a daily average AQI of 354, still in the “very poor” category.

A very high AQI results when several pollution sources contribute at the same time. Vehicle exhaust, construction activity, road dust, waste burning and other emissions release pollutants into the air. The article’s Stage II measures target these sources through sweeping, water sprinkling, construction-site inspections and action against open burning.

Weather then controls how much pollution remains concentrated. Unfavourable meteorological conditions can limit dispersion, allowing emissions to build up near the ground. Busy roads add vehicle pollution and dust, while construction and burning add further particles and smoke. Together, these sources can push the combined AQI sharply upward.

Delhi’s readings show the outcome: 117 on October 31, 261 on November 1 and 324 on November 2. Because forecasts suggested very poor conditions would persist, CAQM required coordinated NCR action rather than relying on one pollution-control measure.