Delhi AQI reaches 244; GRAP-1 begins across NCR

Delhi’s AQI reached 244 at 2pm on October 21, up from 179 a day earlier, triggering Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region.

GRAP-1 applies when the AQI is in the 201-300 ‘Poor’ range. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and IITM indicate that Delhi’s air quality may remain in this category in the coming days.

For Delhi residents, one immediate change will be higher parking costs: charges are set to double across the city, though Metro parking facilities are excluded. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said fuel stations will not supply fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate.

The plan calls for staggered office timings and work-from-home arrangements at Municipal Corporation of Delhi and government offices to reduce traffic. It also includes controls on construction and demolition dust, while open burning is prohibited.

Other GRAP-1 steps include mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling, dust-control measures at construction sites, checks on polluting vehicles and emissions controls for industries, power plants and brick kilns. The Delhi government said it has deployed 608 anti-smog guns and 1,150 mist-spray units for dust control.