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Delhi records first ‘severe’ air quality day of the year as AQI hits 428
The sharp deterioration prompted the central government to invoke stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The decision came after Delhi's average AQI surged from 362 on Monday to 425 by Tuesday morning, marking a sharp escalation in pollution levels.
Delhi pollution: The national capital on Tuesday recorded its first “severe” air quality day of 2025, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 428, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The sharp deterioration prompted the central government to invoke stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, earlier in the day.
The decision came after Delhi's average AQI surged from 362 on Monday to 425 by Tuesday morning, marking a sharp escalation in pollution levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the spike to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and other unfavourable meteorological conditions that allowed pollutants to remain trapped close to the ground.
The “severe” category, which covers AQI levels between 401 and 450, indicates that air quality is likely to affect even healthy individuals and pose serious health risks to people with respiratory or heart conditions.
GRAP Stage III: What shuts down, what stays open
Under Stage III of GRAP, a ban has been imposed on non-essential construction activities, stone crushing, and mining operations. Schools up to Class 5 have been asked to shift to hybrid or online modes, allowing parents and students to opt for remote learning where possible.The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts, though exemptions apply to vehicles used by persons with disabilities.
These curbs are in addition to the measures already in force under Stages I and II, which target vehicular emissions, road dust, and waste burning.
GRAP 3 Delhi Air Pollution: Centre invokes GRAP Stage 3 curbs in NCR. What is open and what is closed?
Why Delhi's winter air turns toxic
Every winter, the Delhi-NCR region faces a recurring air pollution crisis as meteorological factors combine with local and regional pollution sources. Calm winds, low temperatures, and a shallow mixing layer prevent pollutants from dispersing.The situation worsens due to emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, paddy-straw burning in neighbouring states, and firecrackers during festive weeks.
GRAP, which was first implemented in 2017, outlines a graded response mechanism for four levels of deteriorating air quality: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201–300), Stage II (Very Poor, 301–400), Stage III (Severe, 401–450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, above 450). Authorities warn that if pollution levels continue to rise, Delhi could soon face Stage IV restrictions, which include halting truck entry, closing schools and colleges, and suspending construction work entirely.
As pollution levels soared on Tuesday, visibility dropped in several parts of the capital and the familiar haze returned to the skyline—an early reminder of the city's annual winter struggle with toxic air.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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