Stage 2 of Graded Response Action Plan has been implemented in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali-2025.
Stage 2 of GRAP is implemented when air quality is 'very poor', with the Air Quality Index (AQI) between 301 and 400.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas issued this order.
It states, "Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been rising since morning, with an AQI of 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm on 19 October."
It also states that the AQI is expected to worsen in the coming days, so it has been decided to immediately implement Stage 2 of GRAP across the entire NCR.
Intensifying pollution control measures
Stage 2 involves intensifying pollution control measures, including mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on roads.
This includes providing advice to the public through newspapers/TV/radio on reducing air pollution and pollution-causing activities.
This includes increasing vehicle parking fees and increasing CNG/electric buses and metro services to reduce the use of private vehicles.
Stage 2 also includes not allowing inter-state buses from states in the NCR region into Delhi. This excludes electric vehicles/CNG/BS-VI diesel buses and buses and tempo travellers holding All India Tourist Permits.