# Delhi Implements GRAP 2 Restrictions to Combat Air Pollution New emergency measures restrict vehicle movement and adjust office hours to curb smog. - **Source:** [Sci-Tech News | Latest Technological Developments | The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Operations](https://brifing.si/c/operations) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ea50d70b-0eb5-4be6-9edd-5f3636b915ec ## Triggering Stage 2 Protocols The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan after Delhi's Air Quality Index reached 324. This 'very poor' category reading triggered emergency protocols effective from November 1, 2026. These measures will remain in force until January 31, 2027, to mitigate severe winter smog conditions. ## Vehicle Emission Standards Enforcement Authorities have prohibited the operation of non-BS6 vehicles to reduce tailpipe emissions. Petrol and diesel cars registered in Delhi must meet BS-IV standards or higher with valid certificates. Electric and CNG vehicles remain permitted. Conversely, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles face strict bans to limit the city's overall pollution load. ## Interstate Travel and Commercial Bans Non-Delhi registered petrol and diesel cars below BS-IV standards are barred from entering the capital. Commercial vehicles, including light and heavy trucks, must comply with BS-VI norms or use electric power. Heavy trucks not destined for Delhi are required to divert via peripheral expressways to minimize traffic congestion and localized emissions. ## Public Transport and Infrastructure To accommodate commuters during these restrictions, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is increasing weekday trip frequency. Buses running on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines are allowed to operate. These efforts aim to encourage public transit usage while simultaneously discouraging private vehicle reliance through increased parking fees across the NCR region. ## Operational Adjustments for Offices The Delhi government and NCR state authorities are mandated to stagger office timings for public and municipal bodies. This applies specifically to the National Capital Territory and districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. These adjustments are designed to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion and lower the daily concentration of pollutants. ## Dust Mitigation and Cleaning Beyond vehicle restrictions, the authorities are intensifying dust control measures across the region. This includes regular mechanical road cleaning and the deployment of water sprinkling systems. Anti-smog guns are being utilized to settle airborne particles, addressing the dust pollution that contributes significantly to the deteriorating air quality during the winter months. ## Regulatory Framework Evolution The CAQM recently modified the GRAP framework in September 2026 to expand its geographical reach. Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles now extend to Sonipat in Haryana under GRAP-3 protocols. This expansion reflects a broader effort to standardize pollution control measures across the entire National Capital Region and surrounding districts. ## Emergency Response Thresholds GRAP operates on a tiered system based on AQI levels to prevent further environmental degradation. Stage 1 triggers at 201-300, while Stage 2 activates between 301 and 400. Higher stages, including GRAP-3 and GRAP-4, are reserved for more severe conditions exceeding 400 and 450 respectively, ensuring a structured and scalable response to pollution. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/grap-stage-2-restrictions-in-delhi-what-is-allowed-and-what-is-not-allowed-full-list/article71660783.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._