As winter sets in and pollution levels worsen across Delhi-NCR, authorities are preparing to enforce tougher curbs to slow the rapid decline in air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has updated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), moving several measures from higher stages to lower ones so that restrictions kick in earlier than before.

Under the revised framework, actions that previously belonged to GRAP-IV will now be under GRAP-III, which is already active in Delhi due to the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 401 in recent days. This shift means stricter interventions will begin sooner to prevent pollution from reaching emergency levels.

One of the key changes requires Delhi and neighbouring NCR states to consider limiting attendance in government, private and municipal offices to 50%, with the remaining staff working from home. The central government may also evaluate similar work-from-home arrangements for employees in its offices, depending on the situation.

Other adjustments have been made across the GRAP system. Staggered office timings, which earlier fell under GRAP-III, have now been moved to GRAP-II, applicable when the AQI falls between 301 and 400. Measures such as public advisories and steps to boost public transport, once part of GRAP-II, will now be introduced under GRAP-I for AQI levels between 201 and 300. The aim is to intervene earlier and minimise the escalation of toxic air.

In a statement, the CAQM directed all concerned agencies in NCR to immediately act on the revised schedule and ensure that the updated measures are fully implemented.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings between 301 and 400 are classified as “very poor,” while 401 to 500 fall under the “severe” category.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has begun taking precautionary steps. Schools and colleges have been instructed to postpone all physical sports events planned for November and December due to the hazardous pollution levels.