GRAP-3 in Delhi-NCR: Vehicle restrictions and more; what is allowed and what not before Diwali 2026 | Today’s news
Delhi-NCR has come under stricter measures to control pollution just days ahead of Diwali, with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking Phase III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from Friday, November 6.
The move brings new restrictions on construction activity, older vehicles and industrial operations, while allowing authorities to consider changes to school and office layouts.
The restrictions were put in place as a precautionary measure due to deteriorating air quality. Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) was 382 in the “very poor” category on Friday, although several monitoring stations recorded readings in the “severe” range. Stage III measures were added to the restrictions in place under Stages I and II of the GRAP.
What is GRAP Phase III and why was it called?
GRAP is an emergency framework under which the authorities introduce progressively stricter measures to curb air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region. According to the revised framework, III. phase associated with the “severe” air quality category. However, CAQM may preemptively apply restrictions based on forecasts and the likelihood of air quality deterioration.
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The latest decision came despite Delhi’s average AQI remaining in the “very poor” category, with the commission deciding to act before pollution levels worsen further.
What is prohibited under GRAP Stage III?
1. Necessary construction and demolition work
Non-essential construction and demolition activities have been banned in Delhi-NCR. Restrictions apply to excavation, earthworks, piling, dredging, boring, drilling, demolition, masonry, masonry, road construction and major repairs.
Activities such as painting, polishing, varnishing, major welding, gas cutting, and cutting or grinding tile and stone are also restricted. Moving, loading and unloading dusty materials such as cement, sand, bricks, fly ash and crushed stone curbs, especially on unpaved roads.
Stone crushers, mining operations and hot mix plants that do not use approved clean fuels must remain closed.
2. Restrictions for older petrol and diesel vehicles
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or older light motor vehicles, including four-wheelers, are banned in Delhi and five NCR districts with high vehicle density: Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida).
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Vehicles specially adapted for persons with disabilities and used for their personal travel are exempt.
Additional restrictions apply to some trucks. BS-IV and older diesel medium trucks registered in Delhi are restricted, while such medium trucks and light trucks registered outside Delhi are not allowed to enter the capital.
3. Diesel generators and industrial operations
The use of diesel generator sets is prohibited, except for those required to provide emergency and essential services. Non-compliant industrial units, including stone crushers and hot mix plants that do not use clean fuels, are also facing closures or operational restrictions.
What is allowed under GRAP Stage III?
1. Basic construction projects
Construction work related to essential infrastructure projects can continue as long as prescribed dust control measures are followed. Other construction activities that generate relatively less dust or pollution may also be permitted if they meet applicable standards for dust abatement and construction waste management.
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2. Public transport services
Metro and public buses can continue. Authorities are also expected to add metro routes and deploy more buses to encourage commuters to use public transport instead of private vehicles. Vehicles not covered by the restrictions, including BS-VI eligible, CNG and electric vehicles, may continue to operate as per other applicable rules.
3. School and office layout
Schools up to Class 5 in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar must run classes in a hybrid mode that allows students to attend either physically or online whenever possible. Other NCR districts may also consider adopting this measure.
State governments and the Delhi government can decide whether public, municipal and private offices should function with 50% of their employees physically present, with the remaining employees working from home. The Central Government can take a separate decision for its employees. Private offices were also advised to consider working from home or hybrid arrangements.
