Delhi air pollution: GRAP 3 restrictions kick in ahead of Diwali; what's allowed and what's banned

The Economic Times · ET Online · 2026-11-06 12:53 UTC

Delhi-NCR has invoked GRAP Stage III restrictions ahead of Diwali as pollution levels worsened, with the capital's AQI reaching 382. The curbs include restrictions on older vehicles, construction and dust-generating activities, while essential projects, additional Metro services and buses can continue under prescribed measures.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the restrictions two days ahead of Diwali in a pre-emptive move to prevent pollution levels from worsening further and entering the severe category across the capital.

Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 382 on Friday, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. However, several monitoring stations recorded severe pollution levels, with IIT Delhi and Rohini reporting an AQI of 474 each. Punjabi Bagh recorded 465, RK Puram 443, ITO 422, Firoz Shah Road 420 and India Gate 403.

With GRAP Stage III now in force, restrictions under the first two stages will remain applicable, alongside additional measures targeting vehicular emissions, construction dust and industrial pollution. The emergency measures cover Delhi and adjoining NCR districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Read the full story at The Economic Times · All coverage of this story