GRAP-1 has come into force across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated and AQI readings crossed 300 in several locations. The Commission for Air Quality Management has activated the first stage of the graded response plan as authorities intensify action against pollution sources.
The measures will affect drivers, construction sites, businesses, government offices and parking users. Delhi's traffic police have started checking vehicles for valid Pollution Under Control Certificates. A vehicle found without a valid PUCC may face a fine of up to ₹10,000.
What changes under GRAP-1
Construction sites must operate anti-smog guns, while authorities are increasing water sprinkling and mechanised road sweeping. Burning waste or leaves in the open is prohibited and may lead to a heavy penalty.
Hotels and roadside eateries cannot use coal or wood in tandoors. The restrictions are intended to limit additional smoke and particulate emissions as pollution levels rise across the region.
The administration is also stepping up checks on vehicles that do not meet pollution-control requirements. Drivers have been asked not to operate vehicles without the required certificate.
Parking and government office measures
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that parking charges at facilities other than Metro parking areas will double from 1 November. Timings for Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will also be changed, although the revised schedules were not specified in the available information.
Sirsa said 30 agencies are working together on the response. Monitoring is being carried out through a command centre, while mist-spraying units have been installed near Metro stations.
Outdoor demolition work will remain prohibited until 30 November. A further restriction on all forms of demolition will continue until 31 January, according to the measures announced by the minister.
Road, traffic and industry action
The government plans end-to-end resurfacing of roads to address dust and traffic-related problems. An artificial-intelligence-based traffic system is also being introduced as part of the response.
Sirsa said 3,000 industries accused of ignoring environmental rules have been sealed. The administration also reported planting 78 lakh geo-tagged saplings against a target of 70 lakh, with a reported survival rate of 97 per cent.
He said a replacement of the same variety would be planted wherever a sapling dries out. He also appealed to vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles have valid PUCC certificates.
AQI readings across the region
Central Pollution Control Board figures cited in the report recorded an AQI of 304 in Punjabi Bagh and 318 in Pusa. Knowledge Park-5 in Greater Noida recorded 315. Several areas in Ghaziabad and Noida had also entered the poor category.
Daytime temperatures were reported to be around 32 degrees, while evening wind speeds slowed. The report linked the stagnant conditions with the accumulation of vehicle emissions and dust in the air. Night temperatures may fall to 18 degrees in the coming days, according to the weather department.
Doctors suggested avoiding walks during the morning and evening and wearing masks. The advice comes as seasonal changes are accompanied by falling air quality and greater concentration of dust and smoke particles near the ground.
Conclusion
GRAP-1 has brought stricter pollution controls to Delhi-NCR, including PUCC enforcement, dust management, limits on burning and demolition, higher parking fees and coordinated monitoring. The immediate measures announced by authorities will remain in effect across the stated periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why has GRAP-1 been imposed in Delhi-NCR?
GRAP-1 was introduced after air quality worsened and AQI readings crossed 300 in several areas.
Q. What fine can apply to a vehicle without PUCC?
A vehicle without a valid PUCC may receive a fine of up to ₹10,000.
Q. What happens to parking charges from 1 November?
Parking charges will double at facilities other than Metro parking areas.
Q. Is open burning allowed under GRAP-1?
No. Burning waste or leaves in the open is prohibited.
Q. What are the demolition restrictions?
Outdoor demolition is prohibited until 30 November, followed by a restriction on all demolition until 31 January.
Q. Which construction measures are required?
Construction sites must use anti-smog guns, while water sprinkling and mechanised sweeping are being increased.
Q. What AQI was recorded in Punjabi Bagh and Pusa?
The reported readings were 304 in Punjabi Bagh and 318 in Pusa.
Q. What did the government report about saplings?
It reported planting 78 lakh geo-tagged saplings against a target of 70 lakh, with a survival rate of 97 per cent.
