New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect this Friday. The move follows a sharp deterioration in air quality, with some monitoring stations recording an AQI as high as 600. Forecasts indicate that stagnant winds and a stable atmosphere will likely push the city’s average AQI into the ‘Severe’ category in the coming days.
Construction Ban and Vehicle Restrictions Return
Following the official notification, a total ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities has been enforced. This includes earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, and plastering work. Operations at ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, stone crushers, and mining activities must also suspend operations immediately.
Significant curbs on vehicular movement are also back. The operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is now prohibited in Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Inter-state diesel buses that are not BS-VI compliant (excluding CNG and electric buses) are also restricted from entering the city.
Work from Home and School Advisories
In an effort to reduce vehicular emissions and exposure to toxic air, the CAQM has recommended that public and private offices operate with only 50% staff capacity, with the remainder working from home.
Furthermore, the Delhi government has directed all schools to conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid or online mode. Residents are urged to use public transport and avoid coal or wood fires for heating.
Key Highlights Box:
AQI Peak: Recorded up to 600 in some hotspots today.
- Vehicle Ban: No BS-III Petrol or BS-IV Diesel cars; violators face heavy fines.
- Construction: Complete halt on all private and non-essential projects.
- Education: Primary classes (up to Grade 5) shift to Hybrid/Online mode.
FAQ Section:
A1: Violating the ban on BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel vehicles attracts a penalty of ₹20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act.
A2: No. Exemptions are provided for essential infrastructure, including Hospitals, Metro Rail, Airports, and National Security projects, provided they follow strict dust-control norms.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
Sign-off: Reported by KittoNews Desk | Edited by Senior Editor Gowhar Nabi.
- Source Transparency: Information based on the Official CAQM Order (Jan 16, 2026) and real-time CPCB AQI data.
- Disclaimer: Air quality levels can change rapidly. Verify your vehicle compliance and local school orders before commuting. KittoNews is not responsible for penalties incurred.
- Community Question: Do you think a 50% work-from-home mandate should be made mandatory for all private companies during winter? Let us know in the comments.
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