CAQM modifies GRAP rules: Here’s what you need to know about new Delhi-NCR restrictions | Today’s news
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the framework of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR and has put several restrictions in place at various stages of worsening air pollution, PTI reported.
Major changes include restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or older light motor vehicles under GRAP-3 have been extended to Sonipat in Haryana. The revised framework also brings certain restrictions for intercity and interstate buses to GRAP-1 while removing the exemption for certain trucks carrying essential commodities under GRAP-3 and GRAP-4.
The changes come as Delhi braces for the winter pollution season. The Delhi government has separately announced its Winter Action Plan for 2026-2027, which includes further restrictions on vehicles, construction activity, office timings and traffic.
Here’s what you need to know about the new GRAP restrictions:
Sonipat added GRAP-3 restrictions
Under the revised framework, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or sub-standard light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) under GRAP-3 will also apply in Sonipat.
Earlier, these restrictions applied to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Bus restrictions are moving to GRAP-1
Under GRAP-1, inter-city and inter-state buses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and adjoining states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir will not be allowed to enter Delhi-NCR unless they are electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel vehicles.
Previously, this constraint was implemented only from GRAP-2.
Exemption for BS-IV and below trucks carrying essential commodities under GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 has been removed.
The building and demolition regulations have been expanded
CAQM has also expanded the scope of its guidelines governing construction and demolition activities. The rules, which include online monitoring and registration requirements for projects with land area of 500 square meters or more, will now apply to urban areas, controlled areas, development areas, industrial areas and zones and highway corridor zones across NCR states.
What the separate winter action plan of Delhi says
Apart from the revised GRAP framework, the Delhi Winter Action Plan includes several other measures.
From October 1, the “No PUCC, No Fuel” campaign will be intensified at 500 petrol pumps equipped with ANPR systems.
From November 1, non-BS-VI compliant petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city. CNG vehicles and electric vehicles will be exempted.
GRAP is being launched gradually in the state capital as air quality deteriorates.
