Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

Delhi woke up to GRAP Stage III restrictions on Friday, as the city's air quality remained in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day, prompting strict measures to curb pollution levels. According to the Sameer aap ,

Delhi NCR enforces GRAP Stage 3 due to hazardous air quality, halting non-essential construction and restricting vehicle use to reduce pollution levels

Delhi’s air quality remained severe for a second consecutive day on November 15, as a thick layer of toxic smog once again enveloped the national capital and neighbouring areas, data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows.

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels every year in the winter. The air quality in the capital remains in the 'severe' category prompting the authorities to impose the third stage of GRAP.

As Delhi’s overall 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) reading stood at 424 (severe), CAQM imposed stringent anti-pollution measures in the Capital and NCR.

NCR, the pollution watchdog implemented stage three of the GRAP. Starting Friday, measures include banning construction, restricting vehicle entry, and halting mining activities to combat pollution.

Delhi's air quality remained "severe" for a second consecutive day, prompting the central pollution watchdog to invoke restrictions under the third stage of GRAP, including a ban on construction activ

The tighter rule is aimed to curb pollution emnating from different sources as the AQI reached 418 on Thursday.

Stage 3 of GRAP is activated when the AQI reaches 'severe' levels, enforcing restrictions on construction, demolition, and public activities to reduce pollution.