GRAP 3 activated in Delhi-NCR: Know what's banned and what's allowed?

After Delhi’s average AQI shot up to 425+, signalling a sharp deterioration in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed the Delhi Government to enforce Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR region. The move introduces wide-ranging curbs on construction, vehicular movement, and industrial operations.

What is GRAP & why is Stage III being enforced?

The air quality dipped into the “Severe” category (AQI 401–450) due to calm winds, vehicle emissions, and increased construction dust. Authorities took swift action to prevent the situation from worsening further and reaching the Stage IV “Severe Plus” level.

As Delhi’s AQI crossed 425, authorities activated Stage III, aiming to prevent conditions from slipping into the “Severe Plus” zone.

Let's find what's banned in GRAP 3 to curb air pollution ?

Construction Restrictions

• Ban on non-essential construction and demolition: piling, open trenching, earthwork, painting, plastering, and RMC plants.
• Transporting construction materials like sand, cement, and fly ash on unpaved roads.
• Stone Crushers, Mining activities, and brick kilns.
• Industries using unapproved fuels.

Vehicle Restrictions 

• BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers; non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles; inter-state diesel buses not running on
• CNG, electricity, or BS-VI standards.
• Authorities have urged all residents to avoid burning waste and to prefer using public transport.

Ensuring that all vehicles have valid PUC certificates to avoid hefty fines. However, no blanket school closure has been implemented across the NCR region. Schools in Gurugram,  Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad continue operating under advisories, with decisions left upon local authorities and individual managements based on daily AQI readings.

Fines & Penalties Under Non-Compliance of  GRAP Stage III in Delhi-NCR.

Non-compliance with GRAP 3 will attract strict penalties under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and municipal law. A fine could be imposed up to Rs 20,000 penalty for violating vehicle restrictions (like driving BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel vehicles) under the Motor Vehicles Act, and a potential fine of up to Rs 10,000 for not having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

What can we do as citizens?

• Prefer using public transportation or walking for short distances rather than driving.
• Use an N95 mask when the AQI is high and avoid doing outdoor exercises.
• Minimal use of coal/ wood burning to control AQI.
• Keep home and office windows closed during periods of high pollution.
• Prefer using air purifiers.
• Stay hydrated and include foods rich in antioxidants.
• Seek medical help if you experience breathing discomfort.

Why This Matters?

Air pollution of this magnitude is not just an inconvenience for Delhi-NCR citizens— it’s a serious public health crisis, resulting in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular stress, and long-term harm. The fact that Delhi-NCR has reached “Severe” levels again underlines the urgency of structural solutions (clean fuels, better urban planning, reduced vehicular emissions), and also the importance of individual action.
Every effort counts towards cleaner air — for ourselves, our children, and the generations to come.