Delhi AQI Deteriorates to 'Severe' on Diwali, Stage III GRAP Restrictions Enforced
Delhi AQI Deteriorates to 'Severe' on Diwali, Stage III GRAP Restrictions Enforced
IN · Published Nov 8, 2026
• On Diwali morning, Delhi's air quality reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 384, categorised as 'very poor' by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Over 24 monitoring stations in the city reported AQI levels exceeding 400, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest PM2.5 level at
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III restrictions have been implemented to address the worsening air quality. These measures include halting non-essential construction, restricting certain vehicles, and enforcing hybrid learning for schools up to Class 5 in Delhi and neighbouring NCR cities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts foggy conditions in Delhi from 8th to 13th November, with maximum temperatures ranging from 27°C to 29°C and minimum temperatures between 14°C and 16°C.

Impact & Risks

The severe air quality poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The implementation of GRAP Stage III restrictions aims to mitigate further deterioration by limiting emissions from vehicles, construction, and industrial activities. Schools in Delhi and neighbouring cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat, have been directed to adopt hybrid learning for younger students to reduce exposure to polluted air.

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