What happened
Delhi-NCR has activated GRAP-1, banning diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars older than 15 years.
Why it matters
Residents and businesses face stricter rules on vehicle usage, construction activities, and fuel types.
Remember this
GRAP-1 aims to reduce pollution by enforcing stricter restrictions on vehicles, construction, and fuel.
Key Measures Under GRAP-1
GRAP-1 enforces stricter rules on vehicles, construction, and fuel to combat pollution.
- Vehicles older than 10 years (diesel) or 15 years (petrol) are banned.
- Construction activities must use dust mitigation measures.
- Coal and wood are banned as fuel in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens.
More context & who is affected
Delhi-NCR has activated GRAP-1, banning diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars older than 15 years as air quality deteriorated. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) triggered Stage 1 after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 244, classified as poor, on October 21, 2026.
Construction teams must now take dust-control measures, while coal and wood cannot be used as fuel in roadside eateries or commercial kitchens. The restrictions aim to reduce pollution during the winter smog season.
These rules are part of a phased response to Delhi's worsening air quality. Authorities may impose stronger restrictions if pollution levels do not improve, so residents and businesses should follow the new requirements.
- Vehicles Banned Under GRAP-1
- Diesel: >10 years, Petrol: >15 years Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned from operating.NDTV
General Public · Environmentalists
Residents face stricter vehicle and fuel restrictions to improve air quality.
Construction Industry
Construction activities are limited, impacting labor-intensive projects.
General Public
Reduced pollution may improve public health in the long term.
Reporting fromNDTV ↗The Hindu ↗
Sources & verification2 sources · 4 claims
These are the records behind this briefing. Linked reporting is not the same as independent confirmation.
- NDTVReporting
GRAP-1 Rules Explained: Limited Construction, Strict Rules For Cars In Delhi ↗
Published Oct 21, 2026 · Accessed Oct 21, 2026 - The HinduReporting
GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality slips into ‘poor’ category ↗
Published Oct 21, 2026 · Accessed Oct 21, 2026
Claims and linked sources
Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned from operating in Delhi-NCR under GRAP-1.
GRAP-1 was activated when Delhi's AQI reached 244 (poor category) on October 21, 2026.
Labor-intensive construction activities without dust mitigation measures are banned under GRAP-1.
Coal and wood as fuel are banned in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens under GRAP-1.
