The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday implemented Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the city's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category, officials confirmed. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 208 on Tuesday, indicating an upward trend, with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM suggesting that pollution levels are likely to remain in the 'poor' range in the coming days.
What GRAP Stage 1 Entails
GRAP is an emergency framework that imposes graded restrictions based on AQI levels to mitigate air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Stage 1 is enforced when the AQI falls between 201 and 300. The GRAP framework comprises four stages:
- Stage 1: AQI 201–300 (Poor)
- Stage 2: AQI 301–400 (Very Poor)
- Stage 3: AQI 401–450 (Severe)
- Stage 4: AQI 450–500+ (Severe Plus)
Restrictions Under GRAP Stage 1
Under Stage 1, authorities enforce a range of preventive and anti-pollution measures, including:
- Ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries
- Use of diesel generators permitted only for emergency and essential services
- Strict enforcement of NGT and Supreme Court orders regarding overaged petrol and diesel vehicles
- Periodic mechanized sweeping of roads to reduce dust
- Regular water sprinkling on roads and construction zones
- Scientific disposal and management of dust from construction activities
- Mandatory covering and proper storage of construction and demolition (C&D) waste
- Transport of C&D waste only in covered vehicles
- Recycling of construction waste at designated facilities
- Enforcement of approved fuels in industries, brick kilns, and hot mix plants
- Closure action against industrial units violating fuel norms
- Enforcement of firecracker ban orders issued by courts and tribunals
- Monitoring and control of open garbage burning
- Ensuring compliance with dust mitigation measures at construction sites
- Continuous surveillance by enforcement teams across NCR
Heatwave Compounds Challenges
Alongside worsening air quality, Delhi is also experiencing intense heatwave conditions, with temperatures exceeding 46°C at several locations on Tuesday. The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions across the capital, warning of continued extreme heat until May 25. Officials noted that this is Delhi's first heatwave spell in May in two years, with forecasts indicating maximum temperatures may remain between 44°C and 46°C over the coming days. The IMD also warned of 'warm night' conditions, with minimum temperatures hovering around 29°C, offering little relief from the heat.
No Immediate Relief Expected
Meteorologists stated that unlike 2024, when Delhi experienced a six-day heatwave streak in late May, this year's pattern has been mixed due to western disturbances earlier in the season. However, the current spell is expected to be prolonged, dry, and intense. With both pollution control measures under GRAP and extreme heatwave conditions in place, Delhi-NCR is bracing for a challenging week ahead.
