🐅 Environment
Delhi's AQI reaches 327; CAQM invokes GRAP Stage II across NCR as air turns 'very poor' for first time this season
In 60 seconds: Delhi-NCR has moved to Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan after the capital's air quality turned very poor. The average AQI reached 327 on Monday, up from 117 on 31 October and 261 on 1 November. The Commission for Air Quality Management has banned coal and firewood, including in tandoors, tightened rules on diesel generators and raised parking fees. Forecasts show the air staying very poor in the coming days.
Why it matters
Delhi's air has crossed 300 days before Diwali, so the next week's curbs will test how well rules and enforcement can hold back a typical early-November smog build-up.
Explain it simply
Like a school that adds a stricter rule each time the noise level rises, GRAP adds tougher steps as the AQI climbs from one band to the next.
The 3-minute read
What happened
CAQM invoked Stage II on Monday 2 November after the AQI reached 327 by CPCB's reading, the first 'very poor' day of the season. Non-compliant vehicles can face e-challans or impounding, and checks at entry points such as the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida borders caused heavy traffic.
Background
The AQI was 117 on 31 October and 261 on 1 November. GRAP Stage I has been in force since 21 October. CAQM says unfavourable weather caused the quick deterioration, and the IMD and IITM forecast keeps air in the very poor category in the coming days.
How it works
GRAP works in stages tied to the AQI: the worse the air, the tougher the measures. Stage II applies when the AQI is between 301 and 400. Stage II measures include a coal and firewood ban, tight diesel-generator rules, higher parking fees, and more mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling.
What's next
If the AQI climbs above 400, CAQM can move Delhi-NCR to the tougher Stage III. The forecast has no relief in the coming days.
What it means for you
Learn the GRAP stages and their AQI bands, and CAQM's role: it is the statutory body for air quality in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
Key numbers
- 327: Delhi's average AQI on 2 November (CPCB, 'very poor')
- 117 to 261: Rise in AQI from 31 October to 1 November
- 21 Oct: Date GRAP Stage I came into force
Both sides
- CAQM and the government: Graded, early steps stop the air from getting worse and protect public health.
- Critics: Emergency curbs treat the symptoms each winter; the sources, such as vehicles, dust and industry, need year-round action.
Key terms explained
- GRAP
- A rulebook of emergency steps against air pollution in Delhi-NCR, with tougher stages as the AQI gets worse.
- AQI
- Air Quality Index: one number that turns pollutant levels into a simple scale; above 300 is 'very poor' and above 400 'severe'.
The story so far
- 21 Oct 2026: GRAP Stage I curbs come into force across Delhi-NCR. Stage I covers curbs such as limits on older vehicles registered outside Delhi, a ban on dust-raising outdoor construction and higher parking charges.
- 31 Oct–1 Nov: Delhi's average AQI jumps from 117 to 261 in a day. CAQM flagged a sharp rise over three days, blaming unfavourable weather.
- 2 Nov 2026: AQI reaches 327, 'very poor'; CAQM invokes GRAP Stage II across Delhi-NCR. Coal and firewood are banned, including in tandoors, diesel generators face tight limits and parking fees rise.
- Today: Delhi's air turns 'very poor': CAQM invokes GRAP Stage II across NCR
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a set of emergency measures that kick in by stages as Delhi-NCR's air worsens.
- CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas) is the statutory body that invokes GRAP stages.
- Stage II applies at an AQI of 301–400 ('very poor'); Stage III at 401–450 ('severe'); Stage IV above 450.
- AQI is calculated by CPCB; PM2.5 and PM10 are the usual main pollutants in Delhi's winter air.
Likely exam question: What is GRAP, how do its stages work, and are emergency curbs enough to control Delhi's winter air pollution?