A day before Diwali, the Centre’s air quality panel has enforced Stage-II restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, in response to the worsening air quality in the region. The move was announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday evening, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital showed a concerning upward trend.

According to the CAQM, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 296 at 4 PM and breached the 300 mark by 7 PM, placing it firmly in the ‘poor’ category and approaching ‘very poor’ levels. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have both forecasted further deterioration in air quality in the coming days.

“In light of the increasing pollution levels, the Sub-Committee has decided to invoke all actions under Stage-II of GRAP with immediate effect, in addition to the Stage-I measures already in place,” the panel said in a statement.

GRAP Stage-II, meant for “very poor” air quality conditions, includes measures such as increasing parking fees, enhancing public transport services, strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites, and discouraging the use of diesel generators, except for essential services.

This decision comes as Delhi experiences its sixth consecutive day of ‘poor’ air quality. On Sunday evening, the AQI reached 296, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In neighbouring cities, Noida and Ghaziabad recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category, while Faridabad fared slightly better with ‘moderate’ AQI levels.

The AQI in Delhi stood at 268 on Saturday, following readings of 254 and 245 on the two previous days — all indicating a steady rise in pollution. Experts warn that with Diwali celebrations expected to include the bursting of green firecrackers — allowed on a "test case basis" — pollution levels may spike sharply in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary vehicle use, limiting outdoor activities, and strictly following pollution control measures to help mitigate the crisis during the festive period.