{"id":131855,"date":"2026-11-03T15:13:06","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T09:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=131855"},"modified":"2026-11-03T15:13:06","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T09:43:06","slug":"grap-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/grap-1\/","title":{"rendered":"GRAP Stage 1 in Delhi-NCR 2026, Restrictions, Rules and AQI"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>What is GRAP 1?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>GRAP Stage 1<\/strong> 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 <strong>Poor category (201\u2013300<\/strong>). It focuses on preventive measures to control pollution at its source without imposing widespread restrictions on daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is implemented under the direction of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/commission-for-air-quality-management\/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Air Quality Management<\/a> (CAQM).<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measures apply across Delhi and the concerned National Capital Region (NCR) areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It focuses on road dust management, construction-site monitoring and mechanised road sweeping.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It requires proper waste disposal and prohibits open burning of garbage and biomass.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes vehicular emission checks and action against visibly polluting vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It promotes pollution control in industries and construction activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The September 2026 revised GRAP schedule includes 25 action points under Stage 1.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>GRAP 1 Restrictions and Measures<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The measures under GRAP 1 target major sources of air pollution and require coordinated action by government departments, local bodies, industries and citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Dust Control and Construction Activities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Road cleaning: Carry out regular mechanised sweeping of roads and water sprinkling, particularly in dust-prone areas and pollution hotspots.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust suppression: Use water sprinklers and dust suppressants to minimise the resuspension of dust.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction-site management: Ensure dust-control measures at construction and demolition (C&amp;D) sites, including covering construction materials and debris.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered transportation: Transport construction materials and waste in properly covered vehicles to prevent dust emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-smog guns: Use anti-smog guns and water sprinklers at construction sites wherever required.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online monitoring: C&amp;D projects covering 500 square metres or more must comply with the prescribed web-portal registration and remote-monitoring requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Also Read:- <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/grap-stage-2-in-delhi-ncr\/\" target=\"_blank\">CAQM imposes GRAP 2 in Delhi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Waste Management and Open Burning<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waste collection: Ensure regular collection and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste, construction waste, industrial waste and hazardous waste.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open burning: Prohibit the open burning of biomass, municipal solid waste and other waste materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landfill fires: Take preventive measures to avoid fires at landfills and waste dumpsites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illegal dumping: Prevent the unauthorised dumping of waste in open areas, roadsides and other public spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>3. Vehicular Pollution Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PUC enforcement: Ensure strict enforcement of valid <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pollution-under-control-puc-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pollution Under Control<\/a><\/strong> (PUC) certificates and take action against non-compliant vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polluting vehicles: Identify and penalise visibly polluting vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traffic management: Ensure smooth traffic movement at congested corridors to reduce vehicular emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peripheral expressways: Divert trucks not destined for Delhi through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overaged vehicles: Enforce existing restrictions on overaged petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Also Read:- <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/delhi-air-pollution-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\">Delhi Air Pollution 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Industrial and Power Sector Emission Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industrial inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure that industries comply with prescribed emission standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved fuels: Enforce the use of approved fuels in industries, brick kilns and hot-mix plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thermal power plants: Ensure compliance with prescribed emission standards by thermal power plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity supply: Ensure reliable power supply to minimise dependence on diesel generator sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>5. Other Pollution-Control Measures<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firecrackers: Enforce applicable court and tribunal directions regarding the use of firecrackers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public transport: Encourage the use of public transport and promote shared commuting among employees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on air pollution prevention and responsible citizen behaviour.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grievance redressal: Strengthen pollution-related complaint mechanisms through platforms such as 311, Green Delhi and SAMEER.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sports events: Physical sports competitions in NCR during November and December should be rescheduled in view of air-quality trends to protect students&#8217; health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Responsibilities of Citizens under GRAP 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public cooperation is essential for reducing pollution during Stage 1. Citizens are advised to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep vehicle engines properly maintained and ensure valid PUC certification.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain appropriate tyre pressure and switch off engines at traffic signals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prefer public transport, carpooling and electric vehicles over individual petrol and diesel vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid using end-of-life and visibly polluting vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Segregate household waste and avoid littering, open dumping and waste burning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid unnecessary use of diesel generator sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report open burning and other pollution-related violations to the concerned authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow applicable restrictions on firecrackers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>When was GRAP 1 invoked in Delhi-NCR in 2026?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CAQM invoked GRAP Stage 1 across Delhi-NCR on 21 October 2026, after Delhi&#8217;s AQI reached 245 at 4 PM, placing it in the Poor category.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delhi recorded an AQI of 244 at 2 PM and 245 at 4 PM on 21 October 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAQM directed the implementation of all 25 actions under Stage 1 across the entire NCR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The measures covered dust control, waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and other preventive actions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Significance of GRAP 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early intervention: Enables authorities to address pollution before air quality deteriorates to the Very Poor category.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution prevention: Targets everyday sources of pollution, including road dust, vehicle emissions, construction activities and waste burning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Administrative preparedness: Requires local bodies and enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and pollution-control activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public participation: Encourages citizens to adopt practices that reduce individual and community-level emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foundation for stricter action: Establishes the initial level of intervention before additional restrictions are introduced under higher GRAP stages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GRAP Stage 1 was imposed in Delhi-NCR on October 21, 2026, after AQI reached 245, enforcing 25 strict measures to control road dust, vehicle emissions and waste burning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":131804,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[11329,11330],"class_list":["post-131855","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general-studies","tag-grap-1","tag-grap-stage-1","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131855"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131883,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131855\/revisions\/131883"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}