Delhi-NCR pollution curbs: GRAP Stage-II implemented ahead of Diwali – Here's what is allowed & what is not | Explained

GRAP Stage-II is the second level of Delhi-NCR’s emergency air-pollution plan. It applies when the AQI reaches the “Very Poor” category, defined here as 301 to 400. Its purpose is to reduce emissions quickly from transport, construction, industry and other sources before air quality worsens further.

The measures prohibit regular or commercial diesel-generator use, except for specified essential and emergency services. Coal and firewood burning is banned, including in restaurant tandoors. Authorities can act against vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates and restrict some older or non-compliant interstate commercial vehicles. Closed construction or industrial sites cannot reopen.

CAQM invoked Stage-II across the NCR on November 2 after Delhi’s AQI reached 324. Anti-pollution work, including mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling, continues. Compliant vehicles may still operate, but parking charges or staggered office timings may discourage private car use. Further deterioration could trigger higher GRAP stages.

An AQI of 324 places Delhi in the “Very Poor” category under the GRAP scale. That range runs from 301 to 400. It signals pollution serious enough to trigger Stage-II controls across Delhi-NCR, including restrictions on diesel generators, solid fuels and some vehicles.

The deterioration was swift. Delhi recorded an AQI of 117 on October 31, which was in the “Moderate” category. By November 1, the AQI had reached 261, moving into “Poor.” On November 2, it climbed again to 324. In just two days, the reported AQI rose by 207 points.

CAQM based its decision on changing air quality and meteorological forecasts. The timing also came just before Diwali, when pollution can become an added concern. If air quality worsens further, GRAP can move to Stage-III at AQI 401-450 or Stage-IV above 450.

Stage-II restricts activities that can add emissions during a “Very Poor” pollution episode. Regular or commercial diesel-generator use is prohibited, while coal and firewood burning is banned across Delhi-NCR. Restaurants, hotels and eateries cannot use coal- or firewood-fired tandoors. Closed construction, demolition or industrial sites cannot reopen.

Vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates face enforcement action, including penalties and possible denial of fuel. Authorities may also restrict older or non-compliant interstate commercial and goods vehicles, depending on emission standards and government notifications. These rules focus on direct exhaust, fuel burning and dust-producing activities.

Essential operations are protected. Diesel generators may operate for hospitals, healthcare facilities, lifts and other permitted emergency services. Mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling and targeted pollution controls continue. Compliant vehicles with valid PUC certificates can still travel under normal traffic rules, although parking charges or office timings may change.

Delhi-NCR often experiences worse air in winter because cold, stable air can limit vertical mixing and keep pollutants close to the ground. Lower winds can also slow their dispersal. These are established atmospheric effects, although the source text itself only mentions meteorological forecasts, winter controls and the approach of Diwali.

Pollution from vehicles, construction, industries, burning and other sources can therefore accumulate over several days. Around Diwali, firecracker emissions can add a temporary pollution spike. The article does not specifically mention firecrackers, so that detail comes from established general knowledge rather than its stated facts. It does report the decision was taken ahead of Diwali.

Delhi’s AQI rose from 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 and 324 on November 2. CAQM used changing air quality and weather forecasts to invoke Stage-II. The winter plan adds restrictions on vehicles, construction, parking and office attendance through different dates.

When AQI reaches the “Very Poor” category, pollution is high enough to trigger GRAP Stage-II. The public-health concern is greatest for people with respiratory problems and chronic conditions. The article advises them to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, especially early in the morning and at night, use masks, continue prescribed medicines and seek medical advice if health worsens.

Daily life can change through restrictions on diesel generators, coal and firewood, tandoors, construction and some commercial vehicles. Vehicles lacking valid PUC certificates may face penalties or fuel denial. Authorities may double or increase parking charges and introduce staggered office timings. Under the winter plan, offices must restrict physical attendance to 50% during the specified period, with exemptions for essential and emergency services.

These measures aim to reduce emissions rather than stop all activity. Compliant vehicles can continue under normal traffic rules, and essential services remain protected. If pollution rises, Stage-III or Stage-IV would bring stronger controls.

CAQM provides the regional decision. It monitors changing air quality and meteorological forecasts, then invokes Stage-II across Delhi-NCR when conditions meet the plan’s threshold. Local authorities turn that decision into enforcement, including penalties for missing PUC certificates, restrictions on vehicles, and checks on generators, fuel burning, construction and industrial activity.

Businesses must stop regular commercial diesel-generator use, coal and firewood burning, and coal- or firewood-fired tandoors. They must not reopen sites specifically ordered to close. Transport operators need valid PUC certificates and may face restrictions if vehicles are older or non-compliant. Authorities continue mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling and other targeted controls.

Residents can avoid unnecessary exposure, use masks and follow health advice. They also need to comply with vehicle and burning restrictions. Essential services, including hospitals, healthcare facilities and lifts, can use permitted emergency generators. Parking charges and office schedules may be adjusted to reduce private vehicle use.

Delhi-NCR’s winter smog is produced by several sources acting together. Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, diesel generators and solid-fuel burning add pollutants to the air. The article’s Stage-II measures target each of these sources, showing why the response is regional and not limited to one activity.

Weather determines how long pollution remains concentrated. In established atmospheric science, cold, stable air and weak winds reduce mixing and dispersion, allowing emissions to accumulate near the ground. Construction dust can add particles, while exhaust and industrial emissions add gases and fine pollution. The source text specifically says CAQM considers meteorological forecasts, but it does not describe these mechanisms in detail.

The result can be a rapid AQI rise, as Delhi moved from 117 on October 31 to 324 on November 2. Controls include sweeping, water sprinkling, vehicle enforcement, fuel restrictions and limits on construction. Further worsening would activate stronger GRAP stages.