Delhi Triggers Stage 1 Pollution Curbs as Air Quality Deteriorates

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday following a deterioration in Delhi's air quality metrics. The decision came after the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 244 at 2 pm, placing it in the 'poor' category and triggering mandatory intervention protocols.

Under GRAP-1 restrictions, construction and demolition activities face significant limitations, with authorities implementing stricter oversight of ongoing projects across the capital. The measures are designed to minimize dust and particulate matter generation from building sites, which contribute substantially to the city's pollution levels during winter months.

Vehicle-related regulations have also been tightened under the Stage 1 protocol. The restrictions target emissions from transport, a major pollution contributor in the Delhi region, with authorities enforcing compliance through increased monitoring and penalties for violations.

The CAQM's tiered response system activates progressively stringent measures as air quality deteriorates further. Stage 1 serves as an early intervention mechanism, with provisions for escalation to higher stages should pollution levels continue to worsen. Officials have advised residents to monitor air quality updates and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to polluted air.

Photo: Smog and poor visibility over Delhi, India, 2019. Prami.ap90 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).