New Delhi, December 14, 2025: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have been placed under the strictest Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality levels plunged to the worst levels recorded so far this winter. The Central government enforced the emergency measures late December 13, extending into December 14, 2025, in response to rapidly deteriorating pollution conditions.
Under GRAP Stage IV, authorities imposed a complete ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Additionally, all non-essential trucks have been barred from entering Delhi, while construction and demolition activities have been suspended until further notice.
Schools across the affected regions have shifted to hybrid learning mode, with physical classes suspended for all students except those in Grades 10 and 12, in an effort to reduce exposure among children. Government offices and agencies have been directed to strictly monitor compliance with the emergency restrictions.
According to official data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 450 in multiple monitoring stations, placing the region firmly in the “severe plus” category. Experts attribute the pollution spike to low wind speeds, stagnant atmospheric conditions, and continued stubble burning in neighboring states.
Health officials have reported a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, asthma cases, and eye irritation, prompting renewed concerns over public health. Authorities described the move as the harshest pollution control action of the season, aimed at preventing further deterioration as winter conditions persist.
