GRAP Stage 3 Curbs Imposed as Delhi AQI Hits ‘Severe’

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked sharply to 425 on Monday, forcing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to immediately implement Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), bringing a ban on most construction activities and stricter vehicular norms.

November 11, 2025: The national capital is officially in the grip of a “Severe” air pollution crisis. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday announced the immediate implementation of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 425 by 9:00 AM.

The jump from an AQI of 362 on Sunday (Very Poor) to 425 (Severe) was attributed by the CAQM to a combination of calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavorable meteorological conditions that have trapped pollutants close to the surface.

Major Restrictions Imposed Under Stage 3

The invocation of Stage 3, which applies when the AQI ranges between 401 and 450, brings a stringent set of restrictions on top of those already in force under Stages 1 and 2:

• Construction and Demolition Ban: All non-essential construction and demolition activities are now prohibited across Delhi-NCR. This includes most demolition works, earthwork, laying of sewer lines, and brick or masonry works. Exemptions are typically granted only for essential public projects like hospitals, highways, and metro work.
• Industrial Closures: The operation of stone crushers and mining sites has been immediately halted.
• Vehicular Restrictions: The plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) is now restricted in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida).
• Diesel Generators (DG) Sets: The use of diesel generators remains prohibited across all sectors.
• Schools: State governments in the NCR and the NCT of Delhi have been advised to decide on shifting to online or ‘hybrid’ teaching mode for children up to Class V.

Authorities Fear Further Deterioration

CAQM officials stated that the decision to invoke Stage 3 was preventive, aimed at averting a slide into the highly toxic ‘Severe Plus’ category (AQI above 450). Authorities warned that the air quality could potentially worsen further in the next 24 hours if weather conditions remain stagnant and wind speeds fail to pick up.

Enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert, intensifying measures like water sprinkling on roads, mechanical sweeping, and round-the-clock monitoring at all major pollution hotspots across the region.

Residents have been strongly advised to minimize outdoor activities, wear high-grade masks, and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.