The Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR and nearby regions has initiated Stage III actions due to the air quality decline, reaching an AQI of 354. This decision involves enforcing severe air quality measures in Delhi, including restrictions on certain vehicles and activities.
Under Stage III response, the GNCTD is directed to restrict BS-IV diesel-operated goods carriers from entering Delhi unless transporting essential goods or services. The panel’s decision is based on the increasing trend in Delhi’s AQI, which stood at 354 on January 16, 2026, with forecasts indicating a further deterioration towards the ‘severe’ category.
To prevent a worsening air quality situation, actions under Stage I, II, and III of the GRAP will be rigorously implemented and monitored across the NCR region. The recent “Operation Clean Air” inspection in north Delhi revealed instances of biomass burning and waste dumping, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and enforcement measures.
The inspection identified localized sources of pollution, with incidents of biomass burning and waste dumping recorded in areas like Jahangir Puri, Shalimar Bagh, and Wazirpur. These findings underscore the ongoing challenges posed by activities such as waste burning and dumping, necessitating sustained efforts to curb air pollution in the region.
