Delhi-NCR adds GRAP Stage III curbs as pollution threatens to worsen
Where it stands
Construction work, some vehicle use and primary-school classes face tighter rules as Delhi-NCR moves into GRAP Stage III. The Commission for Air Quality Management activated this emergency pollution response on 6 November 2026. Earlier Stage I and Stage II measures remain in force alongside it. Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index was 382 on 6 November, in the very poor category. Forecasts indicated that pollution could reach the severe category in the coming days. The commission acted in advance because unfavourable weather was allowing pollutants to build up rather than disperse. The change restricts specified dust-generating construction and demolition activities, with exemptions for listed essential projects. Primary schools in Delhi and four specified NCR districts must offer hybrid classes wherever online teaching is feasible. Students and guardians can choose the online option. Office attendance changes require decisions by the relevant governments.
Background
Air pollution depends on both the pollutants released and how readily the air carries them away. Traffic, construction dust and other emissions can accumulate when dispersion is weak. Cutting emissions during such conditions helps limit the amount added to already polluted air. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, combines pollution measurements into a scale used to communicate air quality. GRAP means Graded Response Action Plan. It links worsening air quality with progressively stronger emergency measures across the National Capital Region. Forecasts help authorities act before pollution reaches a more dangerous category. Stage III adds restrictions to the earlier response rather than replacing it. Excavation, demolition and other listed dusty work are restricted, while less polluting work can continue under dust-control rules. Essential projects, including hospitals, railways, metros and specified public infrastructure, have exemptions subject to those controls. For families, hybrid schooling means physical classes continue alongside an available online option. The mandatory provision covers classes up to Class V in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Other NCR areas may also consider that arrangement. The schedule separately asks governments to decide on reduced office attendance and working from home.
How it developed
-
6 November 2026How it started
Forecast severe pollution triggers an additional emergency stage
The Stage III schedule restricts older four-wheelers in Delhi and five NCR districts. It covers BS III petrol vehicles and BS IV or older diesel vehicles. The districts are Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Specially adapted vehicles used personally by persons with disabilities have a specified exemption. The schedule also closes stone crushers and mining operations across NCR. For offices, NCR governments must decide on 50% attendance and working from home. The Centre may separately decide for its employees.
Why it matters for UPSC
For GS3, explain how pollution forecasts support preventive action under GRAP. For GS2, examine coordination across NCR governments and the practical effects of emergency restrictions on schools, transport and construction.
Key terms
Sources (3)
- CAQM · official · Order invoking Stage III with attached GRAP schedule7 Nov, 1:45 pm
- CAQM · official · GRAP III invocation: pollution reading and forecast7 Nov, 1:45 pm
- Business Standard · GRAP III invoked in Delhi-NCR7 Nov, 1:45 pm