Delhi’s Air Turns Deadly: GRAP 2 activated; What happens now?

Delhi’s air quality nosedives post-Diwali, with some areas hitting ‘severe’ AQI levels above 460. GRAP Stage II kicks in, triggering stricter curbs. What’s behind the toxic spike and how bad could it get? Here’s what you need to know.

New Delhi: As air quality worsened across the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi recorded pollution levels in the 'very poor' category on Diwali morning, with some localities breaching into the 'severe' zone. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday evening.

AQI Hits Alarming Levels in Pockets of Delhi

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 333 on Monday morning, categorised as 'very poor'. The AQI scale ranges from 0-50 (good) to 401-500 (severe). However, real-time data from the World Air Quality Index (AQICN) project revealed far worse conditions in some areas.

Delhi wakes up to a mild and hazy Sunday; AQI remains a concern ahead of Diwali

Anand Vihar in 'severe' category

Anand Vihar reported a staggering AQI of 464, firmly in the 'severe' category. Rohini and the area near Satyawati College recorded AQIs of 403 and 432, respectively. Other areas such as ITO (287), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (276), Burari Crossing (266), Parparganj (252), and ITI Shahdara (247) reported AQI levels in the 'poor' to 'very poor' range.

Diwali Fireworks and Seasonal Factors Behind Spike

The spike in pollution coincides with Diwali celebrations, where despite restrictions, the bursting of firecrackers contributed significantly to the toxic air. Seasonal factors like drop in temperature, low wind speed, and stubble burning in nearby states further compounded the situation.

“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and has been recorded as 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm,” the CAQM said in its statement issued on Sunday evening.

GRAP Stage II: Stricter Curbs and Preventive Measures

With pollution levels nearing emergency thresholds, authorities implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This phase aims to arrest the rise in pollution and prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Key Measures Under GRAP Stage II:

Dust Control: Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, especially before peak traffic hours.

Construction Checks: Intensified inspection of construction and demolition sites to ensure compliance with dust-control norms.

Public Transport Boost: Augmentation of CNG and electric buses, and increased frequency of Delhi Metro trains. Differential fare systems may be introduced to promote off-peak travel.

No Open Burning: Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are required to provide electric heaters to guards, gardeners, and sanitation workers to prevent open burning of biomass or solid waste.

Restricted Entry for Polluting Vehicles: Only inter-state buses running on CNG, EV, or BS-VI diesel are allowed into Delhi. Tourist buses under all-India permits are currently exempted.

Diwali 2025: Beyond India, these countries also celebrate Festival; Click here to know

Public Health Advisory and Outlook

Health experts have advised residents especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues- to avoid outdoor activities and use N95 masks when stepping out. The pollution levels are expected to remain high for the next few days, with meteorological conditions unlikely to improve immediately.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the possibility of advancing to Stage III or IV of GRAP if the AQI worsens further.