GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR due to the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 226, placing it into the “poor” category, by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Officials attribute the decline in air quality, partly, to meteorological conditions that prevent pollutants from rising above the surface of the ground, i.e., a low wind speed and increased surface temperatures; consequently, air quality is expected to remain in the same range for Friday and Saturday and will require immediate action.

Why Was GRAP Stage 1 Implemented?

• Breaching of AQI Level: The triggering of GRAP Stage 1 occurs when the AQI level falls between 201 and 300.
• Unfavorable Weather Conditions: The weather report by IMD indicated that low wind speed (less than 10 km/h) and increasing temperatures at the surface result in reduced diffusion, which leads to pollutants’ accumulation.
• Pollution Trends Seasonally: Scientific research indicates that transitional climatic conditions (March-April, October-November) can cause sudden AQI spikes due to stagnation and transportation of dust particles.
• Urban Pollutants’ Contribution: Research states that vehicular emissions contribute about 28-30% of particulate matter levels in Delhi, while construction dust adds another 20–25%, amplifying pollution during low-dispersion periods.

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What Actions Are Enforced Under GRAP-1 Curbs?

• Control Mechanisms for Road Dust Pollution: There is more mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling. Research reveals that these mechanisms help lower the rate of dust pollution from the roads by about 30% in urban areas.
• Controls on Construction Sites: Provisions have been made for the strict implementation of dust control regulations, which include covering all construction materials and the use of sprinklers in such areas. Construction-related dust is a major contributor to PM10 in NCR.
• Regulation of Vehicle Emissions: Intensified focus is laid on monitoring the pollution caused by vehicles. Vehicular emissions are one of the top causes of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
• Industrial and Waste Management: Tightened control over industrial, power plant, and brick kiln emissions, coupled with proper waste management, in order to avoid open burning of waste.

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Why Is Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorating Despite Repeated Interventions?

While GRAP measures are reactive, ongoing issues such as a continually high number of vehicles (i.e., 1.2 crore registered) and increasing urbanization contribute to continued emissions, and to a large degree, the other states adjacent to Delhi contribute to air pollution through agricultural residue burning and industrial pollution, contributing as much as 40% of PM2.5 in Delhi according to IIT Kanpur.

GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR demonstrate that the air pollution is an ongoing problem of management versus control. Although the immediate steps are aimed at preventing further decline, air quality will remain classified as “poor,” necessitating the adoption of long-term, science-based policies for air quality management and a strong commitment among the states to address the root causes of air pollution.

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