New Delhi, 22 November 2025 — Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Friday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 381, firmly in the “very poor” category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has re-invoked Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The decision came after the CAQM’s Sub-Committee observed that Delhi’s AQI has remained between 350–400 for four consecutive days, showing no significant improvement despite intermittent rainfall earlier in the week.
Why Stage-III GRAP Has Been Imposed Again
Officials noted that unfavourable weather conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversion, have trapped pollutants close to the ground. With another spell of calm winds forecast, pollution levels risk slipping into the “severe” zone if preventive actions are not taken immediately.
All Stage-III Restrictions Now in Force
Starting Saturday morning, the following curbs have been enforced across NCR:
- Complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities
- Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, except emergency and disability vehicles
- Restrictions on the entry of medium goods vehicles, except those carrying essential goods
- Closure of brick kilns, hot-mix plants and stone crushers not operating on clean fuel
- Suspension of mining and related activities
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai appealed to residents to follow the guidelines strictly.
“We are intensifying mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling. Over 500 enforcement teams are monitoring construction sites day and night,” he said.
IMD Forecast: Light Rain, Limited Relief
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rainfall on November 24–25, which may temporarily help disperse pollutants. However, the agency cautioned that poor air quality may continue until wind speeds pick up significantly later next week.
What’s Causing High Pollution Levels?
While stubble-burning cases in Punjab and Haryana have declined sharply compared to last year, experts say:
- Vehicular emissions remain the dominant contributor
- Road and construction dust levels are high
- Low night-time temperatures are trapping pollutants at the surface
These combined factors continue to push Delhi’s AQI into the “very poor” bracket despite reduced crop-residue burning.
Impact on Schools and Public Life
Delhi government and private schools have been advised to shift classes for students up to Class 5 online from Monday, depending on infrastructural feasibility. Public transport use has been strongly encouraged.
Health specialists urge residents to:
- Wear N95 masks outdoors
- Keep windows closed during the early morning and night
- Avoid morning walks, jogging, or outdoor workouts
- Use air purifiers wherever possible
Stage-IV Possible if AQI Crosses 400
The CAQM has warned that Stage-IV GRAP measures—including a complete stop on all construction, shutdown of non-essential industries, and possibly the Odd-Even vehicle scheme—may be triggered if the AQI breaches the “severe” threshold of 400.
For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation hourly, with another review expected after the predicted rainfall.
