NEW DELHI – Amid deteriorating air quality in the Indian capital, the federal government on Friday imposed stricter pollution control under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III in the metropolitan area of the capital, Delhi and surrounding districts.

The decision was taken during a review meeting following a steady rise in pollution levels across the city.  

"The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has been recorded as 382 (very poor category) for Nov. 6, 2026, due to poor dispersion of pollutants on account of unfavorable meteorological conditions," according to the statement issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the capital and adjoining areas.

CAQM said it had invoked Stage-III of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, and ordered strict implementation by the region's pollution control agencies.

Under GRAP-III, there is a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, including excavation, filling, boring, drilling, piling, brickwork, masonry, road construction, and major repairs.

A prohibition is also in force on the plying of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and neighboring NCR districts. BS is the short form of Bharat Stage, a government-instituted emission standard for four-wheelers.

Health experts have advised residents to stop outdoor activity in the early morning and after sunset, besides avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion, while people suffering from respiratory ailments were asked to avoid all physical activity outdoors.

The Indian capital, is among the most polluted cities in the world. Industrial activities and vehicular traffic are significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction. For the past many years ahead of winter the air quality in Delhi becomes hazardous.