The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday imposed measures under stage four of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the air quality level breached the 400 mark (Severe) in the national capital and its adjoining areas.
The decision came after the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital plunged to 428 (Severe) at 8 pm today.
“The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 400 today i.e. 17.01.2026 at 4 PM exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 428 at 8PM, owing to western disturbance, highly unfavourable weather/ meteorological conditions and lack of dispersal of pollutants,” the CAQM said in its notification.
This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II, and III of GRAP already in force
in NCR, the statement added.
“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of extant GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of extant GRAP already in-force in NCR,” it said.
Moreover, the NCR Pollution Control Boards and Committee, along with other agencies concerned, have been asked to escalate the preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.
Earlier on Friday, the CAQM invoked curbs under stage three after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions. Delhi-NCR has been battling persistently high pollution levels for months. In December, authorities implemented all GRAP-III measures after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched the severe range. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speed and a stable atmosphere, led to poor dispersion of pollutants, further degrading air quality across the region.
Restrictions Under Stage IV
- Entry of trucks into Delhi will be prohibited, except those carrying essential commodities and vehicles running on LNG/CNG, electric power, or compliant with BS-VI norms.
- Schools will operate in a hybrid mode for Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11, with online and offline classes conducted wherever feasible.
- All construction and demolition (C&D) activities will be suspended, including projects related to highways, roads, flyovers and other infrastructure works.
- Closure of colleges and other educational institutions across the NCR may be considered, depending on the air quality situation.
- Restrictions on non-essential commercial activities are also likely during the period of severe air pollution.
- Children, the elderly and people suffering from serious illnesses have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exposure.
