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Introduction of GRAP-II leads to construction ban in Delhi, creating crisis for workers
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Aaj Tak
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Introduction of GRAP-II leads to construction ban in Delhi, creating crisis for workers

Restrictions have been introduced due to rising air pollution in Delhi, which are now negatively affecting the livelihoods of construction workers. Among the workers, there is growing concern about job loss amid stricter control over construction and dust-generating activities. Many workers are considering returning to their native villages if work stops.

Measures are being taken in Delhi to reduce pollution under GRAP-II and the government's action plan to combat winter pollution. Although GRAP-II does not impose a complete ban on all types of construction work, according to a separate Delhi government action plan, demolition work and open civil construction that generates dust are banned from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued an order to suspend certain types of construction and demolition work in Delhi-NCR for 15 days, from November 5 to November 20.

Workers on construction sites report fear of losing daily wages due to the imposed restrictions. As the volume of work decreases, many workers are contemplating moving back to their villages. They believe that living in Delhi may become difficult until construction activities resume.

Even temporary unemployment poses a serious financial problem for workers. Their daily income covers household expenses, rent, food, and children's education. Thus, a halt in employment threatens the economic situation of the entire family.

Workers mentioned hearing about financial assistance provided by the government to affected workers whose activities were impacted by the construction ban. However, they do not know when or how this aid will be provided. Uncertainty remains among the workers regarding the application procedure, selection criteria, and payment timelines.

In fact, the Delhi Labour Minister, Kapil Mishra, had previously announced compensation of 10,000 rupees for registered and verified construction workers affected by GRAP-III and GRAP-IV during a previous phase of pollution control. This support was supposed to be provided based on verification of workers registered in government records.

Nevertheless, there is no confirmation that compensation will be provided to all workers affected by the current GRAP-II restrictions or the winter action plan, based on the previous announcement.

Some workers claim that if construction work is affected for a long period, they will have no choice but to temporarily leave Delhi. This could affect not only the workers themselves but also contractors and other people associated with the construction industry.

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GRAP-2 regime introduced in Delhi as AQI exceeds 300 with a series of restrictions
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GRAP-2 regime introduced in Delhi as AQI exceeds 300 with a series of restrictions

Air pollution levels in Delhi continue to rise, reaching an AQI above 300, which has led to the introduction of the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2). Previously, GRAP-1 restrictions were in effect, but the increase in pollution necessitated a transition to a stricter regime.

GRAP is a plan by the Commission for Air Quality Management that provides for the implementation of various measures to prevent pollution. This plan includes four stages of restrictions, and the second stage is currently activated.

On Monday, air quality in Delhi deteriorated and entered the 'very poor' category. By 4:00 PM, the AQI reached 324. Following this, officials decided to implement second-stage GRAP restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR). On that day, the maximum temperature in Delhi was 29.5 degrees Celsius. This is the first time this season that the air quality index in Delhi has fallen into the 'very poor' category. In the morning on Monday, the AQI was 312, and it rose to 324 by evening.

It should be noted that on September 28, 2026, changes were made to the GRAP rules during a CAQM meeting. At that time, some measures previously belonging to Stage 2 were moved to Stage 1. These measures concern dust control, solid waste management, and transport. For example, measures related to the entry of diesel generator sets (DGS) and buses of BS-IV standard or older from the NCR and neighboring states were moved from Stage-2 to Stage-1.

What does the second stage of GRAP entail?

Under Stage-2, all measures in effect under Stage-1 are maintained. Furthermore, government bodies will intensify monitoring of pollution. Daily cleaning using mechanical and vacuum methods will be carried out on the streets, and dust suppressants will be sprayed along with water to suppress dust. Special campaigns will be launched in areas with high pollution levels, and inspections of dust control compliance at construction sites will be intensified.

To reduce the use of private transport, an increase in parking fees is planned. Citizens are advised to use public transport, and those whose jobs allow it, to work from home. Established restrictions on the use of wood and coal are also being applied.

What restrictions are in place under GRAP-2?

At this stage, there is no provision for closing schools and colleges, mandatory implementation of remote work in all private offices, or banning BS-III gasoline and BS-IV diesel vehicles. However, certain restrictions remain in place for construction work, including requirements for building coverage. There is no mandatory rule for companies regarding working with 50% of employees.

Since the restrictions were moved from Stage-2 to Stage-1, they remain in force. The following measures are in effect under Stage 1 of GRAP: a ban on open burning of leaves, garbage, and other waste. Construction sites must prevent dust generation and adhere to rules for storing and covering construction materials to avoid dust; violation of these norms may result in sanctions. Construction debris cannot be dumped in open areas.

It is also prohibited to operate vehicles that violate environmental standards. A valid PUC certificate must be held, and all applicable regulations regarding pollution must be observed. Intercity buses of BS-IV standard or older are not allowed into the Delhi-NCR territory. The operation of diesel generator sets must comply with established rules, not be arbitrary. Established measures for dust control, solid waste management, and transport continue to be in effect. Additionally, parking fees have been increased, except for metro parking.

Restrictions Introduced in Delhi Under GRAP-1: Which Vehicles Are Banned at Each Stage
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Restrictions Introduced in Delhi Under GRAP-1: Which Vehicles Are Banned at Each Stage

In Delhi, amidst the slight coolness, air quality has begun to deteriorate as the AQI exceeded the 200 mark. Due to rising pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated. This plan mandates various restrictions to prevent further pollution growth. The restrictions are set across four stages, and currently, the rules for the first stage are in effect.

The new GRAP provisions were approved at the CAQM meeting on September 28, 2026, and the revised GRAP schedule was published on September 29, 2026. Among the recent changes is the consolidation of measures concerning dust control, solid waste management, and transport.

Measures related to the entry of diesel generator sets (DGUs) and buses of BS-IV standard or older, arriving from NCR and neighboring states, have been moved from Stage-2 to Stage-1. This means that restrictions previously implemented at higher pollution levels are now being applied preemptively.

Furthermore, mitigating changes have been introduced in some Stage-3 rules, such as those concerning road pothole repair. The scope of the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV or older passenger vehicles has been extended to Sonipat. Exemptions for BS-IV or older heavy goods vehicles transporting essential goods have also been revoked during Stages-3 and Stage-4.

Stage-1 of GRAP is implemented when the AQI reaches between 201 and 300. At this stage, measures are introduced to control pollution from dust, garbage, transport, and generators. Key prohibitions include:

  • Ban on open burning of leaves, garbage, and other waste.
  • Strict control over dust at construction sites; rules for storing and covering construction materials must be followed, and dumping construction waste outdoors is prohibited.
  • Prohibition on operating vehicles that violate environmental norms; possession of a valid PUC certificate and compliance with all applicable rules is required.
  • Ban on entry of inter-state buses of BS-IV standard or older into Delhi-NCR.
  • Restrictions on the use of diesel generator sets, which cannot operate arbitrarily.
  • Application of established measures for dust control, solid waste management, and transport.
  • Increase in parking fees, excluding metro parking.

Generally, no specific restrictions are imposed on private vehicles at Stage-1 of GRAP. Private cars registered outside Delhi of BS-IV standard can be operated provided the stipulated service life and applicable rules are met. However, from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, separate restrictions may be imposed on non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI standard, including vehicles eligible for exemption.

All measures adopted at Stage-1 remain in effect at Stage-2. Additionally, extra steps are taken to reduce pollution related to energy consumption and private transport. In this stage, parking fees may be increased to reduce car usage. Water sprinkling is intensified to reduce road dust. Burning coal or wood for tandoors or other needs is prohibited in hotels, restaurants, and street food stalls. Construction sites must strictly adhere to dust control regulations.

At Stage-3, in addition to Stage-2 and Stage-1 restrictions, all minor construction and demolition work is completely banned. This includes earthwork, piling (for foundations), digging open trenches, welding, painting, plastering, and tiling. Restrictions are placed on the transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand, gravel, and slag on unpaved and open roads. Quarrying, brick kilns, and mineral extraction are completely suspended. A ban is imposed on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel passenger vehicles. A directive may be issued for conducting school classes online.

This stage is implemented when the AQI exceeds 450. During this period, all types of construction work are completely halted, including projects on highways, roads, flyovers, bridges, power lines, and other public facilities. Furthermore, significant restrictions are imposed on vehicles. Online or blended learning is provided for younger grades.

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