Even though there has been some relief in recent days regarding air pollution in Delhi, the government and administration are in no mood to give any kind of relaxation. Regarding the restrictions implemented under GRAP, it has been made clear that the action on the ground will continue as before until the situation becomes completely normal.

The number of challans and seizures made during the last three months reflects the strict policy of the administration. Delhi government and concerned agencies have made it clear that despite slight improvement in air quality, the provisions of GRAP will not be weakened.

Strict instructions given to officials

Officers have been instructed to remain in the field regularly and monitor the situation. Especially the emissions from construction activities, industrial units and vehicles are being closely monitored.

Challans for more than 12 lakh vehicles in three months

According to official figures, more than 12 lakh vehicles causing pollution have been challaned in the last three months. These include vehicles without valid pollution certificate, emitting smoke in excess of prescribed standards and falling in the banned category. This figure has come to light in the joint action of Transport and Traffic Department.

Strict crackdown on overage vehicles

During the campaign, special focus was given on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. If found violating the rules, not only were challans issued, but in many cases the vehicles were seized on the spot. The administration believes that overage vehicles remain a major source of pollution.

More than 7 thousand vehicles seized

More than 7 thousand vehicles have been seized in a period of three months. According to the officials, this step was taken so that people who break the rules create fear and do not violate it again just by paying the fine. The seized vehicles include private cars as well as commercial vehicles.

Action also taken on construction and demolition sites

Not limited to just vehicles, the administration also showed strictness on construction and demolition activities. Many C&D sites were closed for violation of rules, action was taken against concerned agencies for not making arrangements for dust control and not following the prescribed guidelines.

Keeping an eye on industrial units and DG sets

Pollution control teams have intensified inspections in industrial areas. Action was taken against DG sets running without permission or not following the standards. Some units were warned, while in serious cases instructions were also given to stop operations.

If the situation worsens, restrictions will increase further

Government officials have clearly stated that if the air quality again reaches the severe or very severe category, additional restrictions will be imposed. Ban on construction work, entry of heavy vehicles and other tough decisions can also be taken. The government says that there is no bigger issue than public health.

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Year changed, time changed, but the poisonous winds of Delhi-NCR did not change. Firstly, due to harsh winter, dense fog and on top of that, pollution, the health of the people living in Delhi-NCR is continuously deteriorating. Many efforts are being made, but nothing concrete is emerging.

In an effort to prevent or reduce pollution, use of generators has been banned, burning of bonfires in the open has been banned and entry of buses running on petrol and diesel in cities has also been stopped. Apart from these, BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars are also not being allowed to run on the roads in Delhi-NCR.

What are BS-3, 4 and 6 categories?

The BS-3 category includes models manufactured before 2010, which are based on old pollution standards and emit more smoke. Vehicles like Hyundai Santro, Indigo, Tata Indica come under BS-3 category. This means that they emit more pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) compared to vehicles falling under BS-4 or BS-6 category.

Similarly, BS-4 are vehicles manufactured between 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020. Models like Toyota Inova to Mahindra Scorpio fall in this category. In such a situation, there is a ban on running them also. At present BS-6 standards are in force. That means the models coming after BS-4 which reduce pollution. These keep the air clean and do not harm it.

common man in trouble

Now the question arises that every 5-10 years the vehicles will become old, then how will the common man survive, who usually buy vehicles on EMI, which is not ending that again a new order is coming and they are forced to sell their vehicles and buy new cars. Apart from this, they have no other option because in cities like Delhi-NCR, there is no other special means available except metro connectivity. It is not wise to rely on cabs every day. In such a situation, people are mostly buying new cars by making some amount down payment, but if a car which lasts for 30-40 years is declared old in 5-10 years, then where will people go.

Why ban on old vehicles?

On this, many things came to light in ABP Live’s conversation with Shivaji Sarkar, professor at IIMC and market expert. He told, “In foreign countries, 40-40 year old vehicles are used, but in our country, they are not allowed to be sold in the name of increase in pollution. Whereas the smoke emitted from vehicles is less than 1 percent, there is no question of increase in pollution due to them. In such a situation, many times when vehicles are sold, companies buy them and recycle their parts (headlights, windshield etc.) and use them in new vehicles.

Citing a recent report of Times of India, he said that Delhi has been one of the cleanest cities since the year 2020, so why and how pollution is spreading is a big question in itself.

Shivaji Sarkar further says, “8,20,000 vehicles have been sold in Delhi in the last one year.” In such a situation, companies are getting 30-90 percent more profit by using old parts and selling new vehicles. Whereas the common man is being harmed by this. Generally 70-80 percent people are buying cars by taking loans, which takes at least seven-eight years to repay. Meanwhile, the vehicles will become old again after two-three years and they will be stopped from running, this is a game which should be stopped from being played.

Public transport should be better

He further says, “For this, more work should be done on the transport system in Delhi-NCR. Buses should be good with metro connectivity. It should be kept in mind that these should cover as many routes as possible because apart from Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, there are other districts which fall in the NCR region. In such a situation, access to these should also be improved so that people do not rely on personal vehicles but use public transport as much as possible. In Delhi, treating vehicles like enemies in the name of pollution is completely inappropriate and the government needs to take immediate action on this.

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The situation in Delhi is bad due to pollution. The situation is such that even breathing becomes difficult here. AQI in the capital has reached its worst level in the last seven years in the month of December. This year, December was the worst since 2018 with an average AQI of 349, while the contribution of stubble in PM 2.5 pollution was only 3.5 percent.

An official said that in December 2018, the average air quality index (AQI) of the capital was recorded at 360. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the average AQI was 294 in December 2024, 348 in 2023, 319 in 2022, 336 in 2021, 332 in 2020, 337 in 2019 and 301 in 2015.

AQI remained in severe category for 5 days

This month, air quality in Delhi was recorded in ‘severe’ category for five days. There was such a situation in Delhi for six days in December last year. On Monday too, Delhi’s air quality reached ‘severe’ category with 401 at 4 pm, while on Sunday it was recorded in ‘very poor’ category with 390.

Increase in pollution due to stubble?

According to information provided by CPCB in response to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) by environmentalist Amit Gupta, the contribution of stubble to Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution was only 3.5 per cent till December 5 this year, while Delhi-NCR remains one of the most polluted regions in the country.

The CPCB said it relied on the 2018 TERI-ARAI source apportionment study to assess the contribution of different sources to PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). She said no comprehensive source apportionment study has been conducted since then.

There has been a decline in stubble burning in the last few years

However, daily average data from the Decision Support System (DSS) of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, shows that the contribution of stubble burning to PM 2.5 levels during the October-December period has declined steadily over the last few years.

The share of stubble burning was 13 percent in 2020 and 2021, declined to 9 percent in 2022, increased marginally to 11 percent in 2023 and 10.6 percent in 2024, after which it declined to 3.5 percent in 2025.

The pollution level in Delhi has once again reached the bad category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in the national capital remained in the very poor category on Sunday and the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 390. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert of very dense fog for Monday.

The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi on Monday are likely to be around 22 and 7 degrees Celsius respectively. According to data from CPCB’s Sameer App, 19 monitoring stations in Delhi reported air quality in the severe category, with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI of 457, while other places recorded very poor levels.

The Meteorological Department said that the minimum temperature recorded in the city was 6.3 degrees Celsius, which was 0.5 degrees less than the season’s average, while the maximum temperature was 22.5 degrees Celsius, which was 2.1 degrees more than the season’s average. Humidity was recorded at 100 percent at 5.30 pm.

According to CPCB standards, AQI between 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor and 401 to 500 severe.

Congress has once again put the BJP government in the dock regarding the continuously worsening pollution and public problems in Delhi. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Devendra Yadav has demanded that in the winter session of Delhi Assembly starting from January 5, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta should release a white paper on the dangerous pollution of the capital and explain why the situation is getting worse despite crores of rupees being spent.

Devendra Yadav said that like the budget and monsoon session, the winter session should also not remain a platform for false applause and sham debates of the BJP. He said that this session should be an opportunity for concrete discussion and decision on serious public issues, and not to cover up the failures of the government.

Government avoiding all-party meeting on pollution

The Congress President alleged that BJP talks about everyone’s participation on pollution, but Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has not taken any decision till date on the demand of all-party meeting of Delhi Congress. It is clear from this that the Delhi government is not sensitive towards the deadly pollution of the capital.

Demand for action on CAG report and punishment to the culprits

Devendra Yadav said that in the upcoming assembly session, serious work should be done on making pollution control, cleanliness system and public welfare schemes practical. Along with this, the way should be cleared for punishing those guilty of looting the government treasury in the 10 CAG reports presented earlier and for investigation against those responsible by presenting the remaining 4 CAG reports.

Need for concrete plan for slum dwellers and poor

He demanded that the government should follow the policy of ‘wherever there is a slum, there is a house’ for the poor, including the slum dwellers who were destroyed by the BJP. Concrete and time bound projects should be announced to improve the living standards of slum dwellers.

Allegations of collusion between BJP and AAP on corruption

Devendra Yadav said that BJP had gained power by making the corruption of the Aam Aadmi Party government an issue and promising to punish the culprits. But even after 10 months and the CAG report related to the irregularities of Arvind Kejriwal government, no action has been taken against anyone, it is a proof of the collusion of BJP and AAP.

Government completely failed on public problems

The Congress leader said that whether it is cleanliness system, pollution, transportation system, clean water, cleaning of Yamuna or the promise of giving Rs 2500 monthly to women, the Rekha Gupta government has proved to be a failure on every front. He questioned whether the continuous tightening of grape restrictions as pollution increases does not highlight the failure of the government.

Problems of Delhiites remain the same

Devendra Yadav said that like the Aam Aadmi Party rule, there has been no change in the plight of Delhiites in the BJP rule too. Even today, Delhiites are struggling with problems like pollution, water crisis, waterlogging, health crisis, lagging education system and power cuts.

In view of the continuously increasing air pollution in Delhi, the government has taken a big decision. Now there will be no laxity regarding pollution control. The government has announced to implement zero tolerance policy on violation of PUCC i.e. Pollution Under Control Certificate rules. It has been clearly stated that without a valid PUCC, no vehicle will be able to ply on the roads of Delhi.

The government has given a clear message to the drivers that keeping PUCC will be completely mandatory till further orders. Be it two-wheeler or four-wheeler, every vehicle will be checked. Strict action will be taken against vehicles which do not have valid PUCC and fine can also be imposed. The administration says that this step has been taken keeping in mind the health of the people.

Restrictions will remain even after GRAP-4 is removed

Although at present the strict restrictions of GRAP-4 have been removed, the government has made it clear that many restrictions related to it will remain in effect permanently. This means that even if pollution is reduced, complete relaxation in rules will not be given. The government wants that the situation should not worsen again in the future, hence precautions are already being taken.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the government will not compromise with people’s health. He said that vehicles causing pollution are being closely monitored and those breaking the rules will not be spared.

If the situation worsens, vehicles below BS-6 will be banned

The government has also warned that if the pollution level in Delhi becomes serious again, then the entry of vehicles below BS-6 standard can also be banned again. Its purpose is to reduce the pressure of vehicles on the roads and improve air quality.

The continuous bad air in Delhi has increased the concern of the people as well as the government. Meanwhile, there is a ban on construction work in entire Delhi. On one hand, this decision of the government is helping in controlling pollution, but on the other hand, daily wage laborers are facing problems. They are not getting employment due to work closure.

In view of this, Rekha Gupta government of Delhi has taken a big decision. The government has announced to send Rs 10,000 each to the accounts of registered labourers. This has been confirmed by Minister Kapil Mishra.

Online registration started for laborers

Minister Kapil Mishra has said that Rs 10,000 will be given to registered laborers working at every construction site in Delhi. This decision has been taken because construction work is closed in Delhi. In such a situation, this decision has been taken so that their livelihood is not affected.

After the government’s announcement, the online registration process was opened. Laborers working at construction sites can register themselves.

Number of laborers in Delhi is 10 thousand

Minister Kapil Mishra has informed that till now the number of verified laborers in Delhi is 10 thousand, to whom this assistance amount will be given. This compensation is being given for 16 days because there was a ban on construction work for 16 days under Grape-3.

‘An attempt to fix 30 years of pollution in 9 months’

Minister Kapil Mishra says that the Rekha Gupta government is trying to correct the pollution of the last 30 years in 9 months. He said, “We have made a mistake that 30 years of pollution did not reduce in a few months. Earlier Chief Ministers used to run away after seeing pollution, this is our mistake. This time the Chief Minister is a woman, she lives on the streets. People have expectations from this government and we will live up to their expectations.”

Rekha Gupta government is continuously taking strict steps to deal with pollution in Delhi. In this context, another decision has been taken, under which the vehicles whose pollution level is gone or which do not have pollution certificate, will not be given petrol or diesel. This information was given by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Why was this decision taken?

Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that an important decision has been taken in view of pollution in Delhi. Under this, those vehicles will not get fuel, which do not have PUC i.e. Pollution Control Certificate. Challan will also be issued for such vehicles. Apart from this, if any vehicle less than BS6 comes from outside Delhi, it will be confiscated.

Which things are banned?

It is noteworthy that due to continuously increasing pollution, Grape-4 is implemented in Delhi. In such a situation, construction work has been banned. There is also a complete ban on bringing construction materials like badpur and sand. Besides, running of diesel generators has also been banned.

How bad is the situation in Delhi?

Let us tell you that pollution has been continuously increasing in Delhi since Diwali. On December 14, the average AQI in Delhi was beyond 400, while at many places it was recorded between 500 to 600. People are continuously targeting the government regarding this. He says that the Rekha Gupta government of Delhi has consistently proved to be a failure on this front.

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The serious problem of pollution persists in the national capital of the country. Due to air pollution in Delhi, health related problems of people are increasing. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has given a big statement. While apologizing to the people of Delhi, he said that it is impossible for any government to completely eliminate pollution in just nine-ten months. Along with Aam Aadmi Party, he also held Congress responsible for this.

Delhi government minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “Our government in Delhi is trying to improve the average AQI every month. While apologizing to the people of Delhi, I want to say that it is impossible for any government to clean up all the pollution in 9-10 months. But I want to tell you, people of Delhi, that the Aam Aadmi Party government has been dishonest and deceitful, we have improved it and reduced the AQI.

Delhi: Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, “…I want to apologize to the people of Delhi and say that it is impossible for any government to completely eliminate pollution in just nine-ten months. However, I want to assure Delhi residents that we have worked tirelessly to… pic.twitter.com/xYiY6zAJDQ

— IANS (@ians_india) December 16, 2025

Pollution disease due to AAP and Congress- Sirsa

Sirsa further said, “Only if we continue to reduce pollution in this manner, it is possible to provide clean air to Delhi. This is the disease of the previous government of Aam Aadmi Party for 10-12 years and Congress for 15 years. Now when Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi ji talk about wearing masks, I want to ask them, where were your masks last year? Last year there was more pollution than this.

‘Pollution in Delhi harms people’s health’

He also said, “Last year there were dirtier days than this.” Last year, if we talk about today, AQI was 380 but neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi was seen. These people were associated with Aam Aadmi Party. Today he has remembered everything. Of course there is pollution in Delhi, children’s health is being harmed but this is the contribution of Aam Aadmi Party, which we are trying to fix. We are taking action every day like doctors, but the Aam Aadmi Party has given us the task of making people sick.

Let us tell you that on Tuesday (December 16) morning, some improvement was seen in the air quality (AQI) of the national capital, where the AQI was 377 as compared to 498 a day earlier. However, there was fog in the city and visibility was also low.

In view of the serious problem of pollution in Delhi, an important decision has been taken regarding outdoor physical sports activities. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the state governments of Delhi and NCR to immediately stop all outdoor physical sports activities. Also warned that continuing such events amidst poor air quality can pose a serious threat to the health of children.

CAQM has written a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (December 13), saying that it is concerned that despite the instructions given earlier as per the Supreme Court order of November 19, some schools and institutions of Delhi-NCR are still conducting outdoor sports activities.

Instructions to create awareness about health risks

“Continuing outdoor physical activities during poor air quality is against the spirit and intent of the Supreme Court’s observations and the Commission’s directions,” CAQM said. In the letter, the commission asked to postpone the physical sports competitions to be held in November and December. It directed the NCR state governments and the Delhi government to ensure strict and immediate compliance of the earlier instructions, issue necessary instructions to all schools, educational institutions, sports bodies and local authorities to close outdoor physical sports activities and sensitize schools and parents about the health risks involved.

Instructions to closely monitor and take appropriate action

CAQM also asked the authorities to closely monitor compliance at the field level and take appropriate action in case of any violations. On Saturday, the panel took the strictest action under its air pollution control plan, GRAP, which includes banning all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR following a sharp rise in pollution levels amid extreme weather conditions.

What are the restrictions under GRAP Stage IV?

Under Stage IV of GRAP, entry of trucks in Delhi has been stopped, except those carrying essential goods or providing essential services. However, movement of CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks has been allowed. There is a ban on plying of registered diesel heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) in Delhi, with exemption again only for essential services.

Ban on construction and demolition activities also

All construction and demolition activities are banned, including public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecom, which are usually allowed in the lower stages. Schools in Delhi and the worst-affected NCR districts have been asked to run classes not only for primary students but also for higher classes (VI to IX and XI) in hybrid mode (online and physical), with students given the option to attend online classes wherever possible.

Under Stage IV, state governments have been asked to consider taking additional emergency measures such as closing colleges and educational institutions, shutting down non-essential commercial activities and even imposing odd-even rules for vehicles if the pollution situation worsens.

Restrictions under GRAP apply in Delhi in winter

It is noteworthy that during winter, restrictions are imposed in the Delhi-NCR region under GRAP, which divides the air quality into four stages – Stage I (poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (very poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (very severe, AQI above 450). In winter, due to bad weather conditions, smoke from vehicles, stubble burning, firecrackers and other local sources of pollution, the air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches dangerous levels.