Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday, November 7, a day before Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 364 at 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several monitoring stations across the capital, however, recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels, with IIT Delhi reporting an AQI of 443, Punjabi Bagh 433 and Narela 409.
In response to the deteriorating conditions and the possibility of further pollution during the festive period, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday, November 6. The restrictions include a ban on most construction and demolition activities and curbs on certain older vehicles. Authorities have also been directed to intensify pollution-control measures as residents prepare to celebrate Diwali amid concerns over the health impact of worsening air quality.
Severe Pollution Across Areas
While the overall AQI showed a marginal improvement from Friday morning’s reading of 389, the situation remained concerning in several parts of the capital. According to CPCB monitoring data, 22 of Delhi’s 38 operational monitoring stations reportedly recorded AQI levels in the ‘severe’ category on Saturday morning.
IIT Delhi registered the highest reading at 443, followed by Punjabi Bagh at 433, Vivek Vihar at 424 and Narela at 409. Other locations also reported elevated pollution levels, with Dhaula Kuan recording 318, Cantonment Area 315 and Anand Vihar 272. The AQI scale classifies readings between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’, while readings between 401 and 500 fall under the ‘severe’ category. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, was identified as the leading pollutant at 53 of the 59 monitoring stations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported misty conditions at Safdarjung early Saturday, with the temperature recorded at 17 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am. The Air Quality Early Warning System also indicated the possibility of Delhi’s air quality entering the ‘severe’ category over the Diwali weekend. The deterioration has raised concerns about the health implications for residents, particularly children, older people and those with existing respiratory conditions.
What GRAP III Means
The CAQM invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire Delhi-NCR region on November 6, with immediate effect. The decision was taken by the Commission’s GRAP sub-committee after reviewing the prevailing pollution situation and forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Although Delhi’s average AQI had not yet crossed 400, the authorities opted for preventive action because of the likelihood of further deterioration.
GRAP is a four-stage emergency framework that introduces progressively stricter pollution-control measures depending on air quality. Stage III is associated with ‘severe’ pollution, corresponding to an AQI between 401 and 450.
Under the restrictions, most construction and demolition activities have been prohibited across NCR, including earthwork, excavation, trenching, piling, road construction and major repairs. Certain essential infrastructure and public utility projects are exempted under specified conditions. Operations of stone crushers and mining activities across NCR have also been directed to remain suspended.
Vehicular restrictions form another significant part of the measures. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) face restrictions in Delhi and the designated high-vehicle-density districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Following the revised GRAP schedule approved in September 2026, Sonipat has also been included in these restrictions.
Persons with disabilities using specially adapted vehicles for personal use are exempted. Additionally, BS-IV and older diesel light goods vehicles registered outside Delhi are restricted from entering the capital, except when carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
Similar restrictions apply to Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles meeting BS-IV or older emission standards. The measures also require schools to conduct classes for children up to Class V in hybrid mode, combining physical and online learning wherever feasible, in Delhi and the specified NCR districts.
Authorities can also stagger the timings of government and municipal offices to manage traffic and reduce vehicular emissions. These restrictions operate alongside the measures already introduced under GRAP Stages I and II, which include dust-control measures, road cleaning, water sprinkling, enforcement against polluting vehicles and stricter monitoring of industrial emissions. The objective is to reduce pollution sources before air quality deteriorates further rather than wait for the citywide AQI to enter the severe category.
Pollution Beyond Diwali
Delhi’s worsening air quality comes against the backdrop of an annual pollution crisis that intensifies during the winter months. A combination of vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, waste burning, seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states and unfavourable weather conditions contributes to the problem. During winter, low wind speeds and atmospheric conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing them to accumulate close to the ground. Festive celebrations can add to the existing pollution burden, particularly when firecrackers are used.
However, the problem cannot be attributed to Diwali celebrations alone, as several pollution sources operate throughout the year. The CAQM had already introduced Stage I restrictions on October 21, followed by Stage II measures on November 2, before escalating the response to Stage III on November 6. The Commission also issued precautionary directions for pollution prevention across Delhi-NCR between November 5 and 20. The Supreme Court’s October 29 order concerning the sale and use of firecrackers is another important development in the run-up to the festival. Meanwhile, the latest restrictions place responsibility on multiple government agencies across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to coordinate their response.
The effectiveness of these interventions will depend not only on issuing orders but also on their implementation, regular inspections and action against violations. For residents, prolonged exposure to very poor and severe air quality can cause breathing difficulties, irritation of the eyes and throat, and aggravate conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Health experts generally advise people to limit prolonged outdoor activity when pollution levels are high, particularly during periods of peak exposure. Children, older people and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may need additional precautions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Delhi’s recurring air pollution crisis requires sustained action beyond emergency restrictions during the festive and winter seasons. While GRAP measures are important, addressing vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution and waste burning calls for consistent enforcement and coordination between authorities and citizens. Equally important is ensuring that restrictions are implemented fairly, without placing an undue burden on vulnerable communities. How can governments and citizens work together to make cleaner air a year-round priority?
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