As the festive season approaches, the national capital and its surrounding regions are once again grappling with alarming levels of air pollution. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality announced the implementation of Stage II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), marking a significant escalation in measures to curb pollution in the city ahead of Diwali. This decision comes at a time when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi is approaching the ‘very poor’ category, raising concerns over the health and well-being of residents.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (CAQM), responsible for monitoring and enforcing air quality standards in Delhi and its neighboring cities, highlighted the urgent need for intervention. According to official statements, the AQI in Delhi has shown a steady increase throughout the day, reaching 296 at 4:00 PM and 302 at 7:00 PM on Sunday evening. Forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that the air quality is likely to deteriorate further in the coming days due to prevailing meteorological conditions combined with the anticipated bursting of firecrackers during Diwali.

The decision to invoke GRAP Stage II is part of a structured, four-stage response system designed to address rising pollution levels in a graded manner. Stage II, which is triggered when air quality reaches the ‘very poor’ category, is more stringent than the initial Stage I measures. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI levels in six categories: 0–50 as ‘good,’ 51–100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101–200 as ‘moderate,’ 201–300 as ‘poor,’ 301–400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401–500 as ‘severe.’ With Delhi’s AQI nearing the 300 mark, authorities deemed it necessary to enforce stricter controls immediately.

In addition to Delhi, other cities in the National Capital Region are also facing significant pollution levels. Noida and Ghaziabad recorded AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ category, while Faridabad’s air quality was measured at a ‘moderate’ level. The Sub-Committee overseeing the GRAP implementation has accordingly decided to invoke all actions under Stage II across the entire NCR, supplementing measures already in place under Stage I. This marks a coordinated effort by both central and local authorities to mitigate the health impacts of rising air pollution during the critical festive period.

Delhi has been experiencing a consecutive streak of poor air quality in the days leading up to Diwali. On Saturday, October 18, the AQI in the capital was recorded at 268, following readings of 254 and 245 on the previous two days. This persistent trend underscores the severity of the pollution situation and the importance of preemptive measures, especially given the expected increase in emissions during the festival due to firecracker usage. While green firecrackers, which are marketed as a less polluting alternative, have been permitted on a trial basis, experts caution that even these can contribute to particulate matter concentrations in the air, particularly when used extensively.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was developed by the CAQM as a strategic framework to combat air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding NCR region. The plan is designed to escalate responses based on the severity of pollution, with each stage introducing increasingly strict measures. Stage I is activated for ‘poor’ AQI levels, Stage II for ‘very poor,’ Stage III for ‘severe,’ and Stage IV for ‘severe plus’ conditions. The system aims to balance public health concerns with economic and social activities, ensuring that measures are both timely and proportionate to the level of pollution.

Stage II restrictions, now in force, include specific prohibitions aimed at curbing pollution sources. Notably, the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, is prohibited. The use of diesel generator sets is also banned except for emergency and essential services. These measures are in addition to Stage I actions, which remain applicable and include restrictions on certain industrial activities, construction dust control, and vehicular measures.

Citizens are also encouraged to actively participate in reducing pollution during this period. Key recommendations include minimizing the use of personal vehicles and opting for public transportation wherever possible. In addition, commuters are advised to choose less congested routes, even if longer, to reduce idling and traffic-related emissions. Vehicle owners are urged to regularly replace air filters to ensure optimal functioning and to avoid contributing unnecessarily to air pollution. Further, residents and businesses are advised to refrain from burning waste or biomass in the open and to avoid dust-generating construction activities, particularly between October and January, when meteorological conditions often exacerbate pollution.

Authorities have also been directed to take proactive measures to control dust and particulate matter in the environment. Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on roads have been mandated, along with water sprinkling with dust suppressants every alternate day, especially in hotspots and high-traffic areas. These efforts are aimed at controlling the re-suspension of road dust, which significantly contributes to PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the atmosphere. Construction and demolition sites are being subjected to intensified inspections to ensure compliance with dust control regulations. Furthermore, authorities are working to maintain an uninterrupted power supply, thereby reducing the reliance on diesel-powered backup generators, which are a notable source of air pollutants.

The implementation of GRAP Stage II is particularly significant given the timing, as it coincides with Diwali, a festival traditionally associated with increased pollution due to firecracker usage and higher energy consumption. Experts emphasize that early and stringent action is crucial to mitigate the short-term health impacts of air pollution, such as respiratory and cardiovascular stress, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions.

While GRAP measures focus on regulatory enforcement, public cooperation remains a critical factor in effectively managing pollution levels. Community awareness campaigns, adherence to pollution-reduction practices, and individual responsibility in minimizing emissions can collectively contribute to a noticeable improvement in air quality. The CAQM has underscored that the success of the GRAP framework depends not only on enforcement by authorities but also on active participation by citizens across Delhi-NCR.

Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that weather patterns, including low wind speeds and lower temperatures, may exacerbate pollution levels in the coming days. The combination of meteorological stagnation, increased vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and firecracker bursts during Diwali could push air quality into the ‘severe’ category, necessitating further escalation to Stage III restrictions if conditions worsen. Stage III measures involve more comprehensive bans and stricter enforcement of pollution-control protocols across sectors, while Stage IV, triggered in extreme scenarios, activates emergency interventions to protect public health.

In conclusion, the imposition of GRAP Stage II restrictions in Delhi highlights the city’s ongoing struggle with air pollution, particularly during high-risk periods such as Diwali. With AQI levels approaching ‘very poor,’ authorities are taking a proactive approach to mitigate the adverse health effects of pollution while encouraging citizens to adopt responsible behaviors. The coordinated effort between the Centre, local authorities, and the public aims to address both immediate and long-term challenges of air quality management, emphasizing that tackling pollution requires a combination of regulation, infrastructure measures, and community engagement.

As the festival approaches, the implementation of GRAP Stage II serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between cultural celebrations and environmental sustainability. With stringent measures now in place and continued vigilance, Delhi hopes to manage its air quality effectively, protecting the health of its residents while navigating the challenges posed by seasonal and anthropogenic factors.