Delhi Pollution: GRAP-1 Imposed Across NCR – Reasons and Full List of Restrictions

Delhi Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday issued an order to implement the Graded Response Action Plan - Stage I (GRAP-I) in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

The order came after the pollution levels were recorded in the "poor" category for the second consecutive day after the dust storm on Wednesday night deteriorated the air quality, which hasn't yet improved enough.

The decision was taken after a review by the GRAP Sub-Committee on May 16, following a sharp deterioration in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), largely attributed to dust-laden winds from outside the region.

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Authorities have been instructed to intensify dust control measures, monitor construction activity, and ensure strict compliance with pollution norms.

Citizens are also urged to follow the advisory under the Stage-I Citizen Charter, which includes avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure and encouraging the use of public transport.

What is banned under Stage-I of GRAP

Stage-I restrictions aim to curb pollution at the source, particularly from dust, vehicles, and industrial emissions. Here are some of the key actions and prohibitions now in effect across the NCR:

• Strict dust control at construction and demolition sites. Private projects of 500 square metres or more are barred from proceeding without approved dust mitigation plans.

• Ban on open burning of waste, including garbage, biomass, and municipal solid waste.

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• Prohibition on use of coal or firewood in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens.

• Limited use of diesel generators unless essential or emergency.

• Traffic curbs including deployment of personnel at busy intersections and instructions to turn off vehicle engines at red lights.

• Ban on visibly polluting vehicles, with provisions for impounding or heavy penalties.

• Crackdown on old vehicles: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years remain banned in Delhi.

• Ban on firecrackers: The production, sale, and storage of firecrackers are banned in the NCR until January 1, 2025. Action against polluting industries and thermal power plants operating within 300 km of Delhi.

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