Authorities impose strictest anti-pollution measures in Delhi
Delhi authorities invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on December 13, 2025, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the “severe” category, reaching 405 overall with hotspots like Wazirpur at 443.
GRAP Stage III bans non-essential construction, demolition, stone crushing, and mining across Delhi-NCR. Older diesel goods vehicles face entry restrictions into Delhi, while schools up to Class 5 shift to hybrid learning and offices may limit staff to 50%.
Pollution hotspots included Jahangirpuri (439), Vivek Vihar (437), and Anand Vihar (435), driven by winter stagnation and vehicular emissions. Visibility dropped due to thick smog, prompting airport advisories, though flights operated normally.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) formed an expert panel to address vehicular pollution, focusing on PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides. These steps build on prior Stages I and II, with strict enforcement to prevent further deterioration.
