India
Delhi‑NCR Enforces New Air‑Quality Restrictions, Including Sonipat, Under Revised GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi‑NCR. The plan introduces four stages of pollution‑related restrictions that become stricter as air quality deteriorates. The new plan adds Haryana’s Sonipat district to the list of areas covered, along with Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budha Nagar and Noida.
Under the revised GRAP, vehicle restrictions are based on fuel type, emission standard, vehicle category and location. The plan does not rely on a single AQI threshold; instead, CAQM can invoke a stage based on forecasts or sudden pollution spikes. The stages are:
* **Stage I – AQI 201‑300**: Enforcement of pollution‑control norms and PUC requirements; visibly polluting vehicles can be impounded or fined. * **Stage II – AQI 301‑400**: Measures such as higher parking fees to discourage private transport and encourage public transport. * **Stage III – AQI 401‑450**: Restrictions on BS‑III petrol and BS‑IV diesel or below‑standard light motor vehicles (LMVs) in Delhi and the five high‑vehicle‑density NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budha Nagar). * **Stage IV – AQI above 450**: Additional restrictions on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). LNG, CNG, electric and BS‑VI diesel trucks may still enter Delhi; Delhi‑registered diesel BS‑IV and below‑standard HGVs are banned.
The restrictions from earlier stages remain in effect when a higher stage is invoked. Vehicle owners should check their fuel type and BS classification, not just vehicle age, to determine if they fall under the restricted categories.
To determine whether a vehicle can enter Delhi, commuters should follow this sequence: check the AQI on the SAMEER App, verify the current GRAP stage on the CAQM website, and then confirm the applicable restrictions for their vehicle.
The revised GRAP document directs citizens to use the SAMEER App for AQI data and the CAQM website for the official GRAP stage. This approach ensures that travelers are aware of the complete restriction status before driving.
The article was written by Prabhakar Jha, a journalist and digital news editor with experience at LiveMint, News9Live and The Times of India.
Frequently asked questions
What is the revised GRAP and who issued it?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued the revised Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi‑NCR.
Which new district is added to the GRAP?
Haryana’s Sonipat district is added to the list of areas covered by the GRAP.
How can commuters check the current GRAP stage?
Commuters should check the AQI on the SAMEER App, verify the current GRAP stage on the CAQM website, and then confirm the applicable restrictions for their vehicle.