CAQM invokes GRAP Stage III in Delhi-NCR as AQI hits 389 two days before Diwali
The commission called it a precaution, with Delhi's average AQI at 389 on Friday morning and Diwali two days away.
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage III across Delhi-NCR on Friday, 6 November 2026, with the capital’s average AQI at 389 at 8 am and Diwali two days away. The decision brings stricter limits on construction, transport and other polluting activities, on top of the measures already in force.
What GRAP Stage III changes in Delhi-NCR
GRAP is a tiered set of curbs that the commission switches on as air quality worsens. Under Stage III, authorities must enforce stricter restrictions on construction, transport and other pollution-generating activities across Delhi-NCR, Business Standard reported. The Stage III curbs cover Delhi and the National Capital Region and sit alongside the measures already in force under Stages I and II, Business Today said.
The commission announced the decision in a post on X, Outlook India reported. It had not yet detailed the specific restrictions at that point, so contractors and residents should check its notices for the full list.
Key numbers
- 389: Delhi’s average AQI at 8 am on Friday, against 367 on Thursday (Business Standard).
- 364: the AQI at 9.30 am on Saturday, with three monitoring stations recording severe pollution levels (Business Standard).
- 2: days between the order and Diwali.
- 3: stages of GRAP curbs now stacked, since Stages I and II were already in force.
Background: Delhi AQI and the graded response action plan
Air quality slid. The average AQI was 367 on Thursday and 389 on Friday morning, and it still stood at 364 on Saturday morning, with three monitoring stations in the severe range. The commission called the step a precaution ahead of Diwali, according to Outlook India. Business Standard’s Saturday report said it acted amid concerns over a further deterioration in air quality, two days ahead of the festival.
Who is affected
Construction and transport are the two activity groups named in the Stage III restrictions, according to Business Standard. Daily wage workers on building sites and commuters feel curbs like these first. Neither report listed the specific bans, so the exact scope is for the commission’s notice to settle.
What happens next
Diwali on 8 November is the next test for Delhi’s air. The Stage III curbs remained in force on Saturday with the AQI at 364, Business Standard reported, and whether the reading falls after the festival will decide how long they stay. For more on pollution and public health, see our Health section.
Stage III restricts construction and transport, so daily wage workers and commuters feel it first. How quickly the AQI falls after Diwali will decide how long the curbs stay and how much work is lost.
Named in this story
Sources
- Grap III invoked in Delhi-NCR as AQI continues to remain very poor (Business Standard)
- Delhi AQI remains very poor at 364; GRAP Stage 3 curbs remain in force (Business Standard)
- CAQM invokes GRAP stage III in Delhi NCR as air quality deteriorates ahead of Diwali (BusinessToday)
- Delhi-NCR Moves To GRAP III As Air Quality Deteriorates Ahead Of Diwali (Outlook India)