GRAP Stage 1 imposed in Delhi as AQI plummets: Full list of restrictions

A layer of smog engulfs the India Gate on a cold morning, in New Delhi on October 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has started to deteriorate. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on October 21, 2026, the implementation of Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb further deterioration. Also Read: GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality slips into ‘poor’ categoryThe air quality in Delhi-NCR has dipped to the ‘poor’ category (AQI 201-300), warranting specific curbs as per the graded action plan.What is banned in Delhi under GRAP-1? Open Burning: The burning of bio-mass and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in public is strictly prohibited. Coal and firewood in eateries: The use of coal and wood as fuel sources in tandoors across hotels, restaurants, and open eateries is strictly prohibited. Gas-based, electricity, or clean fuel-based appliances are permitted. Overaged vehicles: Plying of overaged diesel and petrol vehicles is banned. Firecrackers: Bursting of firecrackers is banned/restricted according to the orders of High Courts or Tribunals. Non-destined trucks: Trucks that do not have a destination within Delhi are prohibited from passing through Delhi and must be diverted via Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. Inter-city/Inter-State Buses: Buses from Haryana, U.P., Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are not permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR unless they are electric, run on CNG or on BS-VI-approved diesel. Construction and demolition restrictions Construction or demolition projects with a plot size equal or greater than 500 square metres are not permitted until they are registered on the State’s web portal and do not meet dust monitoring requirements. The construction waste must only be transported or stored in covered vehicles and environments respectively. Industrial and power sector restrictions Illegal or non-compliant industrial units and those operating in non-conforming areas are subject to strict legal action Industries, brick kilns, and hot mix plants must strictly comply with emission standards and use only approved fuels. Thermal power plants must ensure strict enforcement of emission norms within a 300 km radius of Delhi, with action against those who don’t comply. Vehicle and traffic restrictions Visibly polluting vehicles will be immediately stopped, impounding and or levied a penalty. Strict enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms in all vehicles. Traffic movement must be synchronised and personnel must be deployed to curb idling or congestion. Diesel Generator restrictionsDiesel generators are not permitted to be used as a regular source of power supply. Regulated operations are strictly enforced based on capacity and fuel type: Capacity/Fuel typeEmission System RequirementsUsage RestrictionsRunning on LPG / Natural Gas / Bio-gas / Propane / ButaneNoneNo restrictionsUp to 800 kW (meeting MoEFCC notification No. GSR 804(E) dated 03.11.2022)NoneNo restrictions800 kW and above (Older specifications)Subject to compliance with emission standardsNo restrictions41 kW to < 800 kW (Older specifications)Dual-fuel modeNo restrictions (If not working in dual fuel mode solely due to non-availability of gas infrastructure, permitted only for emergency services)19 kW to < 41 kW (Older specifications)Dual fuel modeNo restrictions (If not working in dual fuel mode solely due to gas unavailability, permitted only for emergency services)Portable DG Sets (< 19 kW)Not to be generally permitted. Permitted only for prescribed emergency servicesRestricted diesel generators are permitting for the following emergency services:1. Elevators/escalators/travelators2. Medical services (Hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare facilities)3. Railway services and stations4. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and related services5. Airport and inter-State bus terminals6. Sewage treatment plants7. Water pumping stations8. Projects related to national security, defence, and national importance.9. Telecommunications and IT or Data servicesAdvisory for citizens Check AQI from SAMEER App and stage of GRAP in force from CAQM website. Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned. Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles. Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date. Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights. Do not ply end-of-life / visibly polluting diesel or petrol vehicles. Prefer public transport or pooling of vehicles for commuting. Prefer EVs to control vehicular pollution. Ensure segregation and proper disposal of municipal solid waste. Do not litter / dispose waste, garbage in open spaces. Ensure disposal of waste only in designated collection points provided by municipal authorities especially in markets and public places. Ensure immediate removal of C&D waste and compliances of dust mitigation measures. Plant more trees and cover open spaces with grass and shrubs. Avoid using DG sets except for essential activities. Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner — avoid firecrackers. Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc. Participate in Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities and spread awareness about air pollution mitigation measures among fellow citizens through various means including social media channels. Published - October 21, 2026 05:47 pm IST