GRAP Stage 1 in Delhi-NCR 2026, Restrictions, Rules and AQI

What is GRAP 1?

GRAP Stage 1 is the first level of emergency pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR reaches the Poor category (201–300). It focuses on preventive measures to control pollution at its source without imposing widespread restrictions on daily activities.

• It is implemented under the direction of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
• Measures apply across Delhi and the concerned National Capital Region (NCR) areas.
• It focuses on road dust management, construction-site monitoring and mechanised road sweeping.
• It requires proper waste disposal and prohibits open burning of garbage and biomass.
• It includes vehicular emission checks and action against visibly polluting vehicles.
• It promotes pollution control in industries and construction activities.
• The September 2026 revised GRAP schedule includes 25 action points under Stage 1.

GRAP 1 Restrictions and Measures

The measures under GRAP 1 target major sources of air pollution and require coordinated action by government departments, local bodies, industries and citizens.

1. Dust Control and Construction Activities

• Road cleaning: Carry out regular mechanised sweeping of roads and water sprinkling, particularly in dust-prone areas and pollution hotspots.
• Dust suppression: Use water sprinklers and dust suppressants to minimise the resuspension of dust.
• Construction-site management: Ensure dust-control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, including covering construction materials and debris.
• Covered transportation: Transport construction materials and waste in properly covered vehicles to prevent dust emissions.
• Anti-smog guns: Use anti-smog guns and water sprinklers at construction sites wherever required.
• Online monitoring: C&D projects covering 500 square metres or more must comply with the prescribed web-portal registration and remote-monitoring requirements.

Also Read:- CAQM imposes GRAP 2 in Delhi

2. Waste Management and Open Burning

• Waste collection: Ensure regular collection and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste, construction waste, industrial waste and hazardous waste.
• Open burning: Prohibit the open burning of biomass, municipal solid waste and other waste materials.
• Landfill fires: Take preventive measures to avoid fires at landfills and waste dumpsites.
• Illegal dumping: Prevent the unauthorised dumping of waste in open areas, roadsides and other public spaces.

3. Vehicular Pollution Control

• PUC enforcement: Ensure strict enforcement of valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and take action against non-compliant vehicles.
• Polluting vehicles: Identify and penalise visibly polluting vehicles.
• Traffic management: Ensure smooth traffic movement at congested corridors to reduce vehicular emissions.
• Peripheral expressways: Divert trucks not destined for Delhi through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
• Overaged vehicles: Enforce existing restrictions on overaged petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
• Inter-city buses: Restrict specified inter-city and inter-state buses operating in Delhi-NCR, with exemptions for electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses.

Also Read:- Delhi Air Pollution 2026

4. Industrial and Power Sector Emission Control

• Industrial inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure that industries comply with prescribed emission standards.
• Approved fuels: Enforce the use of approved fuels in industries, brick kilns and hot-mix plants.
• Thermal power plants: Ensure compliance with prescribed emission standards by thermal power plants.
• Diesel generator sets: Regulate diesel generator (DG) sets through prescribed emission-control requirements and restrictions on their use. Certain cleaner-fuel generator sets are exempt under the revised schedule.
• Electricity supply: Ensure reliable power supply to minimise dependence on diesel generator sets.

5. Other Pollution-Control Measures

• Tandoors and eateries: Enforce the existing prohibition on coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries, encouraging the use of electricity, gas and other approved clean fuels.
• Firecrackers: Enforce applicable court and tribunal directions regarding the use of firecrackers.
• Public transport: Encourage the use of public transport and promote shared commuting among employees.
• Public awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on air pollution prevention and responsible citizen behaviour.
• Grievance redressal: Strengthen pollution-related complaint mechanisms through platforms such as 311, Green Delhi and SAMEER.
• Sports events: Physical sports competitions in NCR during November and December should be rescheduled in view of air-quality trends to protect students’ health.

‹ ›

Responsibilities of Citizens under GRAP 1

Public cooperation is essential for reducing pollution during Stage 1. Citizens are advised to:

• Keep vehicle engines properly maintained and ensure valid PUC certification.
• Maintain appropriate tyre pressure and switch off engines at traffic signals.
• Prefer public transport, carpooling and electric vehicles over individual petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Avoid using end-of-life and visibly polluting vehicles.
• Segregate household waste and avoid littering, open dumping and waste burning.
• Avoid unnecessary use of diesel generator sets.
• Report open burning and other pollution-related violations to the concerned authorities.
• Follow applicable restrictions on firecrackers.

When was GRAP 1 invoked in Delhi-NCR in 2026?

The CAQM invoked GRAP Stage 1 across Delhi-NCR on 21 October 2026, after Delhi’s AQI reached 245 at 4 PM, placing it in the Poor category.

• Delhi recorded an AQI of 244 at 2 PM and 245 at 4 PM on 21 October 2026.
• CAQM directed the implementation of all 25 actions under Stage 1 across the entire NCR.
• The measures covered dust control, waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and other preventive actions. 

Significance of GRAP 1

• Early intervention: Enables authorities to address pollution before air quality deteriorates to the Very Poor category.
• Pollution prevention: Targets everyday sources of pollution, including road dust, vehicle emissions, construction activities and waste burning.
• Administrative preparedness: Requires local bodies and enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and pollution-control activities.
• Public participation: Encourages citizens to adopt practices that reduce individual and community-level emissions.
• Foundation for stricter action: Establishes the initial level of intervention before additional restrictions are introduced under higher GRAP stages.