Delhi Air Quality Drops to Very Poor as CAQM Imposes Stage Two GRAP Limits

Delhi's air quality has slipped into the very poor category for the first time this season, pushing authorities to launch strict pollution controls across the National Capital Region.

What Happened

The Air Quality Index reached 324 on Monday afternoon, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to enforce Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan immediately. The air reading worsened sharply over three days, moving from 60 on Friday after rain cleared the air to 117 on October 31, 261 on November 1, and 307 early Monday morning. Out of 58 active monitoring stations, 36 reported very poor air, while Jahangirpuri entered the severe zone at 417.

Official Measures

Authorities are now cleaning roads with machines, sprinkling water, and using anti-smog guns to settle dust. Traffic police are stationed at busy crossings to manage jams, while officials check for valid pollution certificates and crack down on old diesel and petrol vehicles. Industries, brick kilns, and power plants face tighter checks, and eateries must stop using coal or firewood in tandoors. Public transit is also stepping up, with more metro, regional rail, and electric or CNG bus trips.

Context

Delhi's annual winter air pollution surge is driven by a mix of local dust, vehicle emissions, industrial output, and unfavorable weather patterns like calm winds. The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of emergency steps enforced step by step as air pollution worsens in the wider capital region.