Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been imposed across the Delhi-NCR region after air quality levels in the national capital slipped into the “poor” category during May. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 208 on Tuesday, prompting authorities to activate the first stage of emergency anti-pollution measures aimed at preventing further deterioration in air quality.

The Commission for Air Quality Management said unfavorable meteorological conditions were contributing to the rise in pollution levels across Delhi and neighboring cities. Citing forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department, the pollution control body stated that the AQI is expected to remain in the “poor” category in the coming days. Officials directed all implementing agencies across the National Capital Region to immediately enforce Stage I measures and maintain strict monitoring of pollution sources.

According to the Commission’s statement, authorities have been instructed to intensify dust-control operations, enforce pollution checks on vehicles, and improve traffic management to reduce emissions. Measures under GRAP Stage I also include regular road sweeping, water sprinkling to suppress dust, stricter supervision at construction and demolition sites, and better waste management practices. Industrial units, power plants, and brick kilns are also expected to follow tighter emission control norms during the period.

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The GRAP system categorizes pollution response measures according to AQI levels recorded in Delhi-NCR. Stage I restrictions are implemented when AQI levels range between 201 and 300, classified as “poor.” Stage II is activated when AQI rises to the “very poor” category between 301 and 400, while Stage III and Stage IV measures come into force under “severe” and “severe plus” conditions, respectively, when AQI levels cross 400 and 450.

The activation of GRAP-I during May has drawn attention because severe pollution episodes are more commonly associated with the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Environmental experts have often pointed to weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, industrial pollution, and construction activity as major contributors to declining air quality in the region. Rising temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions can also trap pollutants closer to the surface, worsening air quality even outside the winter season.

Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with pollution-control efforts and follow citizen guidelines issued under the GRAP framework. Officials said continuous monitoring will be carried out in the coming days to assess whether additional restrictions may become necessary if pollution levels continue to rise. The latest measures reflect growing concerns over persistent air quality challenges in the Delhi-NCR region despite ongoing mitigation efforts.

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