Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates as AQI Reaches 245, GRAP Stage-I Enforced

New Delhi, October 22, 2026: Air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on October 21, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage-I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 244 at 2 pm on October 21, compared with 179 on October 20. The AQI subsequently rose to 245 at 4 pm, according to the official announcement. The increase prompted authorities to strengthen pollution-control measures across the region.

Authorities Directed to Strengthen Pollution Control

The CAQM sub-committee reviewed Delhi-NCR’s prevailing air quality, along with weather forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), before invoking Stage-I measures.

Under the GRAP framework, Stage-I applies when Delhi’s AQI falls within the 201–300 range, classified as ‘poor’. The measures aim to prevent further deterioration through coordinated action by government departments and local authorities.

The prescribed measures include stricter dust-control practices at construction sites, mechanical cleaning of roads, water sprinkling to reduce airborne dust, and proper handling of construction and demolition waste. Authorities have also been directed to enforce restrictions on open waste burning and prevent the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries.

The plan also calls for stricter enforcement of vehicle pollution norms and restrictions on the regular use of diesel generator sets. Relevant agencies across NCR are responsible for implementing and monitoring these measures.

Air Quality to Remain Under Close Watch

The CAQM stated that forecasts from IMD and IITM indicated that Delhi’s air quality was likely to remain in the poor category over the following days. Agencies have therefore been instructed to maintain vigilance and review the effectiveness of the prescribed measures.

The implementation of GRAP Stage-I does not automatically require the closure of schools and offices. Instead, the current phase focuses on controlling dust, emissions and other sources of pollution. Further action will depend on changes in air quality and subsequent assessments by the authorities.

The situation highlights the importance of coordinated enforcement, regular monitoring and public cooperation in addressing seasonal air pollution across Delhi-NCR.