New Delhi: Commuters have been urged to use the Metro and public transport, carpool, keep valid Pollution Under Control Certificates and avoid leaving vehicle engines idling after GRAP Stage I measures were invoked across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
Delhi Traffic Police issued the travel advice alongside a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) order dated October 21. The order recorded Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 244, in the “Poor” category, at 2 pm that day, up sharply from 179, or “Moderate”, on October 20.
What Delhi commuters have been advised to do
The traffic advisory asks people to prioritise the Metro and other public transport, share car journeys and avoid unnecessary trips to reduce vehicular pollution and keep roads moving.
Motorists have also been asked to maintain their vehicles and carry a valid PUCC. Parking should be confined to designated places.
The police urged drivers not to keep engines idling or sound horns unnecessarily, and to comply with applicable vehicle-entry restrictions.
GRAP Stage I actions invoked across NCR
The CAQM order invokes all actions under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan throughout the National Capital Region. Stage I corresponds to the “Poor” air-quality band, with AQI between 201 and 300.
Its GRAP sub-committee reviewed the region’s air quality and IMD/IITM forecasts at its October 21 meeting. The order said the forecast indicated that air quality would remain in the “Poor” category in the coming days.
All implementing agencies were directed to implement, monitor and review Stage I actions, maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures to prevent further deterioration. Citizens were to be asked to follow the Stage I citizen charter.
The commission said it would continue to monitor air quality and review the situation for further appropriate decisions. Its order refers to the revised GRAP schedule dated September 29, 2026; Delhi Traffic Police said the schedule is available on the CAQM website.
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