New Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) are now under stringent pollution controls. Authorities imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a "severe" 425 at 9 AM that day. This marks the first time this winter season that Delhi's air quality has fallen into this hazardous category, prompting immediate action from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} ### Strict Measures Take Effect The CAQM, the central body overseeing air quality, activated a nine-point action plan across the entire NCR. This plan introduces wide-ranging curbs on construction activities, vehicular movement, and industrial operations to prevent further deterioration of the region's air quality. The move comes as stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, and stubble burning from neighboring states contribute to the alarming pollution levels.^[7][8][9][6] Under GRAP-III, authorities have completely banned all non-essential construction and demolition activities. This includes earthwork, piling, trenching, and major road repairs. The prohibition also extends to the operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants, stone crushers, and all mining activities in the NCR.^{[7][10][1][5][9][11]} However, essential public projects such as railways, metro construction, airports, defense, healthcare facilities, and sanitation works can continue, provided they strictly follow dust and waste management rules.^{[7][10][1][5][12]} ### Vehicle Restrictions and School Changes Vehicle restrictions are also a key part of the new curbs. The plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is now prohibited in Delhi and its neighboring NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida).^{[7][10][2][3][5][6][11]} Non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles and inter-state diesel buses not meeting BS-VI standards are also barred from entering the capital, with exceptions for those carrying essential commodities or providing vital services.^{[7][10][1][3][5]} In a significant step for public health, especially for younger residents, state governments in Delhi-NCR must now conduct classes for students up to Class V in a hybrid mode. This allows for both physical and online learning options.^{[7][8][1][2][6]} The CAQM also advised central and state governments to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies to help reduce traffic congestion and emissions during peak hours.^[7][1] ### Intensified Enforcement and Health Warnings Local agencies, including Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have received directives to ensure strict compliance with these new measures. Authorities are intensifying road sweeping, water sprinkling, and monitoring pollution hotspots to control dust and enforce anti-smog actions.^[8][1][12] Restrictions on diesel generator sets are also in effect, except for emergency services.^[8][13][4] Industries using unapproved fuels must suspend operations.^[10][12] Doctors warn that air quality in the "severe" category poses serious health threats. An AQI above 400 means the air is hazardous, impacting even healthy individuals and severely affecting those with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.^[8][13][2] Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and Unit Head, Pulmonology, Fortis Faridabad, stated that "Even healthy people can experience throat irritation, cough, and breathlessness, while those with asthma, COPD, or heart problems are at much greater risk."^[5] He emphasized that prolonged exposure could cause lasting damage to the lungs and heart, calling it a "public health emergency."^[5] The CAQM Sub-Committee continues to monitor the air quality closely. If pollution levels further worsen, crossing an AQI of 450 and remaining there for 48 hours, Stage IV measures of GRAP could be imposed. These could include a complete ban on truck entry (except for essential goods), suspension of industrial operations, and temporary school closures.^[13][4] Citizens are urged to use public transport, work from home where possible, and avoid burning coal or wood to help combat the hazardous pollution.^[1][12]