{"id":131859,"date":"2026-11-03T14:45:57","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T09:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=131859"},"modified":"2026-11-03T14:45:57","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T09:15:57","slug":"grap-stage-2-in-delhi-ncr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/grap-stage-2-in-delhi-ncr\/","title":{"rendered":"GRAP Stage 2 in Delhi-NCR, New Restrictions as AQI Hits 324"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on November 2, 2026, with immediate effect, after Delhi&#8217;s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 324, entering the Very Poor category for the first time this season. The decision aims to strengthen pollution-control measures and prevent further deterioration in air quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Was GRAP Stage 2 Invoked in Delhi?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delhi&#8217;s air quality deteriorated sharply over three consecutive days, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate the second stage of GRAP.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delhi&#8217;s AQI increased from 117 (Moderate) on October 31 to 261 (Poor) on November 1 and 324 (Very Poor) on November 2, 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfavourable meteorological conditions contributed to the accumulation of pollutants, leading to a deterioration in air quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecast that air quality was likely to remain in the Very Poor category over the coming days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following a review of the prevailing air quality and weather forecasts, the CAQM&#8217;s GRAP Sub-Committee directed the immediate implementation of Stage I and Stage II measures across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What is GRAP Stage 2?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRAP Stage 2 is the second level of emergency pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). It is activated when the AQI in Delhi-NCR enters the Very Poor category (301-400). It focuses on intensifying dust suppression, reducing vehicular emissions and discouraging the use of private vehicles.<\/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 Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It applies 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;\">Measures under GRAP Stage 1 continue alongside Stage 2.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It introduces additional measures to control road dust, vehicular emissions and other sources of pollution.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Key measures under GRAP 2<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Stage 2, authorities across Delhi-NCR are directed to intensify measures to control road dust, vehicular emissions and other pollution sources.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mechanical Road Cleaning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping of identified roads, particularly during night and early morning hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Water Sprinkling:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Regular sprinkling of water mixed with dust suppressants on roads, especially at traffic congestion points and heavy-traffic corridors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pollution Hotspots:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Targeted pollution-control measures at identified hotspots across Delhi-NCR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Construction-Site Monitoring: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased inspections of construction and demolition (C&amp;D) sites to ensure compliance with dust-control norms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Higher Parking Charges:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increased parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public Transport:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> State governments are directed to increase the frequency of Metro, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and CNG and electric bus services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Staggered Office Timings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Government offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar are directed to introduce staggered working hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electric Heaters: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are required to provide electric heaters to security, sanitation and other outdoor staff to prevent the burning of biomass and waste for warmth.<\/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<h2><b>What should citizens do during GRAP Stage 2?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CAQM has also issued an advisory encouraging citizens to reduce activities that contribute to air pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use public transport, carpool or share private vehicles wherever possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid unnecessary use of personal vehicles and switch off engines at traffic signals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain vehicles properly and keep valid <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pollution-under-control-puc-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pollution Under Control<\/a><\/strong> (PUC) certificates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid open burning of garbage, leaves, biomass and other waste.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid dust-generating construction activities during the winter pollution season.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prefer less congested routes to reduce vehicular emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limit the use of diesel generator sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work from home wherever possible, depending on the nature of employment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency pollution-control measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to prevent further deterioration in air quality. It was first notified in 2017 and is implemented under the direction of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The plan classifies air pollution into four stages based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).<\/b><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 94.279113%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.992701%;\">\n<p><b>Stage<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 41.240876%;\">\n<p><b>AQI Category<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 237.591241%;\">\n<p><b>AQI Range<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.992701%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRAP 1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 41.240876%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 237.591241%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">201-300<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.992701%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRAP 2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 41.240876%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very Poor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 237.591241%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">301-400<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.992701%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRAP 3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 41.240876%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 237.591241%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">401-450<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.992701%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRAP 4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 41.240876%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe+<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 237.591241%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above 450<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measures under the earlier stages continue when a higher stage is invoked.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/commission-for-air-quality-management\/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Air Quality Management<\/a><\/strong> (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It coordinates and monitors measures to prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It issues directions to state governments and other authorities for controlling air pollution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It coordinates with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and other agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can impose restrictions on industrial activities, construction, transportation and other pollution-generating activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GRAP Stage 2 came into force across Delhi-NCR on November 2, 2026, as AQI hit 324. CAQM ordered stricter road dust controls, traffic measures and air pollution checks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":131800,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[11321,11322],"class_list":["post-131859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general-studies","tag-grap-stage-2","tag-grap-2","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131859","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=131859"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131865,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131859\/revisions\/131865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}