New Delhi, 13 December 2025:
The Centre on Saturday invoked the most stringent emergency anti-pollution measures (GRAP-IV) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after air quality deteriorated to its worst level of the season, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 431, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category.
The restrictions have been enforced under Stages III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with Stage IV representing the highest level of curbs aimed at preventing further deterioration of air quality.
Ban on Older Vehicles and Truck Entry in Delhi-NCR
As part of the emergency measures, authorities have imposed a complete ban on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi as well as key NCR districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has also prohibited the entry of trucks into Delhi, except for:
-
Vehicles carrying essential commodities
-
Trucks running on LNG, CNG, electric power or BS-VI fuel
These restrictions are intended to immediately reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to deteriorating air quality.
Construction Activities Halted Across NCR
In another significant step, all construction and demolition activities have been suspended across the entire NCR, including both public and private projects. Authorities stated that dust emissions from construction sites remain a key pollution source during winter months.
Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode; Offices to Operate at 50% Capacity
Educational institutions across Delhi and adjoining NCR districts have been directed to conduct classes in hybrid mode (online or physical) for all students except those in Classes 10 and 12, ensuring minimal disruption to board examination preparation.
In Delhi, all government and private offices will function with only 50% staff on-site, in line with the Delhi government’s standing order whenever GRAP Stage III or above is enforced.
The CAQM has advised the States of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to consider similar work-from-home arrangements for employees in NCR districts under their jurisdiction.
AQI Reaches ‘Severe Plus’; Health Risks Intensify
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI worsened further to 441 by 6 p.m., entering the ‘severe plus’ range.
The CPCB warned that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Sunday, with only marginal improvement expected over the next two days.
As per CPCB classification, ‘severe’ AQI levels can affect healthy individuals and seriously impact those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, prompting authorities to urge citizens to limit outdoor exposure.
Implementation Subject to State Orders
The CAQM clarified that the restrictions will come into force once respective State governments issue formal implementation orders, ensuring coordinated enforcement across the NCR.
Conclusion: GRAP-IV
With Delhi-NCR witnessing its sharpest air quality deterioration this season, the Centre’s decision to activate GRAP Stages III and IV underscores the urgency of addressing extreme pollution levels. The emergency curbs aim to reduce immediate emission sources, protect public health, and prevent further escalation, even as authorities monitor conditions closely over the coming days.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Check Real time Aqi on AQI.in
Image source: The times of India
