Why is Delhi’s air quality trending today?
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) rose to 245, the worst level in 100 days, as temperatures dropped. This prompted officials to activate Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb pollution.
What happened
- 20 Oct, 2026
The city's official AQI was recorded at 179, which is considered moderate [1].
- 21 Oct, 2026
AQI reached 245, moving into the 'poor' category and triggering Stage 1 of GRAP [1].
What you need to know
Diesel generators cannot be used as a primary power source in nearby north Indian states [1].
Only buses using BS-VI diesel, CNG, or electric power are allowed to enter Delhi from other states [1].
Stage 1 of GRAP focuses on enforcing existing pollution rules and short-term emergency steps [1].
It is not confirmed exactly how much the current dip in temperature contributed to the AQI increase compared to other factors.
Background
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) consists of four stages of emergency measures that are implemented based on current or predicted pollution levels [1].
Air pollution typically increases every winter in the Delhi-NCR region and the Indo-Gangetic Plains due to weather factors like reduced wind speeds [1].
The government has implemented an 11-point plan involving 30 agencies to manage dust, industrial emissions, and traffic [1].
Questions people ask
What is the current AQI in Delhi?
As of October 21, the 24-hour average AQI was 245, which falls under the 'poor' category [1].
What is GRAP Stage 1?
It is the first level of a four-stage emergency response plan used to reduce air pollution through specific restrictions and enforcement [1].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.