GRAP-I restrictions imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality turns 'poor'

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday introduced phase one measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR as the air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category, officials said.

“The AQI in Delhi is showing an increasing trend and today i.e. 19/05/2026 is recorded as 208 (‘Poor’ category). Further, the IMD/IITM forecast suggests that the AQI will remain in the ‘Poor’ category for the coming days,” CAQM said.

The sub-committee has therefore decided to apply under Phase I (“Poor” Air Quality) of the existing GRAP throughout the NCR with immediate effect, it said.

Limitations of GRAP-1

Under GRAP-1, restrictions are in place such as banning the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open-air restaurants and the use of diesel generators only in emergency or essential situations.

There are four phases in GRAP, each of which is associated with an AQI at that time. The first stage, GRAP-1, is triggered when the AQI is between 201 and 300; the second stage, GRAP-2, is invoked when the AQI is between 301 and 400; GRAP-3 kicks between 401 and 500; and GRAP-4 is invoked when AQI is greater than 450.

The previous GRAP-1 restrictions in Delhi-NCR, which were imposed on April 16, were withdrawn on May 4 after significant improvement in air quality.

MCD adds more mechanical sweepers

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday inducted eight new truck-mounted Mechanical Road Sweepers (MRS) in its sanitation fleet to boost mechanized cleaning and curb dust pollution in the national capital.

An official statement said the Indian government procured the machines under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) initiative. They will deploy these machines on roads with a right-of-way of 60 feet or more to improve the coverage and frequency of mechanized sweeping.

Speaking at the event, Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi said the machines will help reduce dust pollution and help improve Delhi’s air quality.

“The objective of expanding the existing fleet is to increase the coverage and frequency of mechanized road sweeping in Delhi, especially on roads with 60 feet of right-of-way or more,” the mayor said.

Wahi said the mechanized sweepers would improve the safety of sanitation workers by reducing the need for manual cleaning on busy roads and central verges.

According to the statement, the machines will operate under a comprehensive operation and maintenance model to ensure regular maintenance and optimum utilization.