- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:51 AM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the cities of Delhi-NCR has crossed the 400-mark, prompting the implementation of the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin released at 4 pm on Wednesday:
- Delhi's AQI was 418 (Severe category)
- Noida's AQI was 408 (Severe category)
- Greater Noida's AQI was 387 (Very Poor category)
All three cities were in the red zone. This implementation of GRAP Stage III comes as the AQI level on the IQAir app had reportedly reached as high as 700 two days prior.
What GRAP Stage III Entails
The third stage of GRAP mandates a complete prohibition on several high-polluting activities, including:
- A ban on non-essential construction work and demolition.
- A ban on the movement of BS-III and BS-IV standard vehicles.
- A ban on road construction.
- A halt on the movement of materials such as cement and sand.
- A ban on inter-state diesel buses.
- A ban on stone crushers and mining-related activities.
- A ban on diesel generators, except for emergency services.
Violations Observed In Greater Noida
Despite these restrictions, the enforcement of GRAP Stage III rules in Greater Noida on Wednesday appeared ineffective, with responsible authorities (the pollution department, the authority, and local bodies) showing no visible action.
Several violations were observed:
Open Burning: Rubbish was seen being dumped in the open and set on fire in Knowledge Park I.
Construction Material: Materials were transported uncovered in a tractor-trolley near Nawada village and Sector-36. Construction materials were also found lying in the open in places like Sector-36, Site V, and Surajpur.
Construction Work: Work at construction sites appeared to be continuing unchecked.
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Official Statements
In response to the situation, officials stated that teams are active:
Regional Pollution Officer Vikas Mishra said that eight teams have been formed in collaboration with the authority and are continuously monitoring the situation.
Authority GM RK Bharti stated that teams are ensuring compliance with GRAP rules through continuous inspections, and that water is being sprinkled and fines are also being imposed.
