Emergency pollution curbs activated across Delhi-NCR after air quality plunges into Severe+ category; CAQM cites unfavourable weather and health risks.

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP Stage IV on December 13, 2025, after the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spikes to 431 by 4 pm and 441 by 6 pm, On December 14, 2025, the AQI was 507 at 2 pm entering the Severe+ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) triggers the strictest emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing stagnant winds, high moisture, and poor pollutant dispersion across the National Capital Region.

Source of Data: https://www.aqi.in/dashboard/india/delhi/new-delhi

Delhi-NCR GRAP Stage IV: What Triggered the Emergency Curbs

The sudden deterioration in Delhi’s air quality is driven primarily by unfavourable meteorological conditions, rather than a fresh surge in emissions. According to CAQM and IMD assessments, calm surface winds, easterly wind shifts, and fog formation trap pollutants close to the ground.

With weather forecasts predicting continued poor dispersion, authorities invoke GRAP Stage IV, the final and most stringent tier of the pollution-control framework, to prevent further public health deterioration—especially among children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory illnesses. Breathing the air in Delhi is as harmful as smoking 17.1 cigarettes a day.

What Is GRAP Stage IV and Why It Matters

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP Stage IV)  represents an emergency response when AQI breaches the Severe+ threshold (above 450 or rapidly worsening trends). All measures under GRAP Stages I, II, and III remain in force, with additional restrictions to curb vehicular emissions, construction dust, and non-essential activities.

CAQM states that enforcement agencies across Delhi and NCR states have been directed to ensure zero tolerance for violations.

GRAP Stage IV Restrictions in Delhi-NCR: Full List

1. Truck Entry Ban

• Entry of all trucks into Delhi prohibited
• Exemptions:
  LNG, CNG, Electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks carrying essential commodities or services

2. Diesel and Petrol Vehicle Curbs

• Ban on Delhi-registered BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles
• Prohibition on BS-IV and below diesel MGVs and HGVs
• Essential services remain exempt

3. Construction and Demolition Halt

• Complete suspension of construction and demolition (C&D) activities across Delhi-NCR
• Includes linear public infrastructure projects such as:
  • Roads, highways, flyovers
  • Power transmission lines
  • Pipelines and telecom projects
• Select exemptions allowed on a case-by-case basis (hospitals, airports, railways, NCERT, Navodaya Vidyalayas)

4. Office Attendance and Work-From-Home Norms Under GRAP IV

• Public, private, and municipal offices may operate at 50% capacity
• Remaining staff to work from home
• Central government offices to follow separate DoPT guidelines
• NCR state governments authorised to impose additional emergency measures

5. School, College and Educational Institution Guidelines

• Schools to shift to hybrid or fully online mode
• Parents and students may opt for online classes
• Classes X and XII may continue physical classes where feasible
• States may consider closure of colleges and higher educational institutions

6. Odd-Even, Commercial Closures May Be Considered

Authorities retain discretion to impose additional emergency measures, including:

• Odd-even vehicle rationing
• Closure of non-essential commercial activities
• Tighter industrial emission controls

7. Citizen Advisory During GRAP Stage IV

Residents across Delhi-NCR are advised to:

• Use public transport, carpooling, or EV/CNG/BS-VI vehicles
• Avoid outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and evenings
• Wear N95 masks when stepping outside
• Refrain from burning waste or dry leaves
• Minimise use of diesel generators

Pollution violations can be reported via the CAQM app or designated helplines.

8. Enforcement and Monitoring

CAQM confirms round-the-clock monitoring by:

• Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
• NCR State Pollution Control Boards
• Traffic police and civic bodies

Daily updates and GRAP schedules are available on the official CAQM portal.

Most Polluted Cities in India (2025)

Data source: https://www.aqi.in/

GRAP Stage IV Highlights Delhi’s Winter Pollution Crisis

The enforcement of GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR underscores the fragile air quality situation that returns every winter. With meteorology playing a decisive role, authorities emphasise public cooperation, strict enforcement, and adaptive measures as essential to prevent prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

Further restrictions will depend on AQI trends and weather conditions over the coming days.

FAQs: Delhi-NCR GRAP Stage IV

Q1: What is GRAP Stage IV in Delhi?
A: GRAP Stage IV is the highest emergency pollution response triggered when AQI reaches Severe+ levels.

Q2: Are schools closed under GRAP Stage IV?
A: Schools may shift to hybrid or online mode; states can decide on full closures.

Q3: Are private vehicles banned during GRAP Stage IV?
A: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are restricted, with exemptions for essential services.

Q4: Is construction allowed under GRAP Stage IV?
A: All construction and demolition activities are banned, including most public infrastructure projects.

Q5: Can odd-even be implemented during GRAP Stage IV?
A: Yes, authorities may impose odd-even as an additional emergency measure.