Signalling the beginning of Delhi’s dreaded haze, pollution curbs under GRAP 1 have been imposed in the National Capital Region for the first time this season.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed this is the first time in years that GRAP has been implemented so late in the season. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is in charge of controlling pollution in Delhi and its neighbouring areas, said the AQI was 244 at 2 pm. “The Air Quality lndex (AQI) of Delhi which was observed at 179 (‘Moderate’ Category) on 20.10.2026, has exhibited a sharp rise with AQI of 244 at 02:00 PM on 21.10.2026 (‘Poor’ Category).
Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM has also predicted AQI to remain in ‘Poor’ cateqory in coming days,” the CAQM said in a statement.
Staggered working hours as well as work-from-home arrangements will also be introduced for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and government offices to reduce vehicular movement. “Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution for several years. we have adopted both short-term and long-term measures to tackle pollution While the previous government continued to make excuses. Public participation has played a crucial role in our efforts. “Outdoor construction and demolition activities will face restrictions.
We are implementing an 11-point action plan, with the Centre and the Delhi government working together to control pollution. Outdoor demolition work will be stopped until November 30, while demolition activities will remain prohibited until January 31. Open burning is also strictly prohibited,” the minister said, adding that 608 anti-smog guns and 1,150 mist-spray units have been deployed across Delhi to control dust pollution.
Our focus is on dust mitigation, promoting electric vehicles, controlling vehicular emissions and identifying local pollution sources,” he said. Listing out some of the measures, Sirsa said vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not get fuel and parking charges will be doubled across Delhi, except at Metro parking facilities.
