Delhi AQI News: Is GRAP-4 imposed in national capital? Here's what CAQM says

Delhi AQI News: As Delhi’s air quality plunged further into the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday, social media timelines and Google searches were flooded with one question: Has GRAP-4 been implemented? Several posts and even some news reports claimed that the highest stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) had kicked in from 8 AM.

But the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has now issued a categorical clarification, dismissing the reports as false.

CAQM’s clarification

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The Commission said it has noticed “misleading information” doing the rounds online. “It has come to the notice of the Commission that certain news channels and digital media platforms are circulating misleading information regarding the invocation of Stage-IV of GRAP, which is false,” the CAQM said in its circular.

It stressed that “At present, Stage-3 of the extant GRAP is in force across the entire NCR. Stakeholders and the public are advised to rely only on Official Updates/ Press Releases issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM).”

Also Read: Delhi AQI Worsens: Smog pushes several areas into ‘severe’ zone, what’s fueling this alarming spike?

Why the confusion?

Delhi’s AQI has crossed 400 at several locations, triggering public anxiety. The worsening smog and reports circulating online fuelled speculation that the government had already escalated restrictions to GRAP-4.

GRAP-4 restrictions—what’s allowed and what’s not

If GRAP-4 is triggered, here’s what changes:

• A ban on entry of trucks into Delhi except those carrying essential goods.
• Prohibition of diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi.
• Ban on construction and demolition activities, including linear public projects like roads, highways, and flyovers.
• NCR governments may stop physical classes for students or permit 50 per cent attendance in government and private offices.
• Emergency steps like the odd-even vehicle scheme or shutting non-essential commercial activities may be brought in.

(These measures are NOT currently in force.)

Also Read: Delhi AQI Update: Capital chokes as pollution hits ‘Severe’ category again

Pollution levels remain dangerous

Meanwhile, air quality across Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate:

Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 430, among the highest in the region.

In Ghaziabad, several stations showed AQI readings between 404 and 438, the worst this season.

Noida recorded levels between 324 and 402, while major Delhi localities like Anand Vihar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, and Alipur ranged from 350 to 426.

The IMD has warned that no strong winds or rainfall are expected soon, meaning pollutants will likely remain trapped. Temperature in the coming week will hover around 26°C (max) and 11°C (min) with dense fog on most days—conditions that aggravate smog. Doctors are urging residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, skip morning and evening walks, and ensure that children, seniors and those with respiratory illnesses stay protected. Pollution levels in this range can harm even healthy individuals.