Delhi tightens GRAP: Stage I rules kick in sooner to curb winter pollution
Delhi tightens GRAP: Stage I rules kick in sooner to curb winter pollution
CAQM tightens GRAP in Delhi-NCR, moving some Stage II measures to Stage I to halt air quality decline as AQI stays in the very poor range.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has tightened the Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi-NCR, pushing several pollution-control measures to earlier stages in a bid to halt a worsening winter spike in smog. The revised schedule, finalised on November 21 after stakeholder consultations, shifts multiple actions from higher alert stages to lower ones, meaning restrictions will trigger sooner as the Air Quality Index worsens. The current AQI stood at 360 in the very poor category at 9 am.
Under the updated framework, several measures that previously fell under Stage II will now be enforced at Stage I. These include ensuring uninterrupted power supply to discourage diesel generators, deploying more personnel to manage traffic at congestion-prone points, issuing pollution alerts through newspapers, TV and radio, and expanding CNG and electric public transport fleets with higher service frequency and differential fares to promote off-peak travel.
Conversely, measures formerly listed under Stage III, such as staggering government office hours, have been moved to Stage II per the new plan. The Centre may also decide on staggered timings for its offices in the region. Restrictions that used to apply only in Stage IV will now apply at Stage III, meaning public, municipal and private offices could operate with 50% staff while the remainder works from home, and other work-from-home provisions for Centre employees may be implemented.
CAQM said the changes were based on scientific assessments, expert recommendations and past experiences with pollution control in the region, aiming to pre-empt a sharper decline in air quality as winter intensifies. Officials emphasise that these proactive steps are intended to keep the city moving while safeguarding public health, though the effectiveness will hinge on strict enforcement and public cooperation.
As authorities prepare for the peak pollution months, residents and commuters are urged to stay informed about daily alerts and adapt travel plans accordingly, with the hope that earlier restrictions will curb exposure and reduce pollution sources during the season.
Cover image source: Delhi traffic police imposes over ₹84 crore as fine during GRAP checks from Oct. 14 to Nov. 18 🔗
