The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), through an order dated 30 October 2026, directed the implementation of precautionary measures to prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR from 5 to 20 November 2026.
Exercising its powers under Section 12 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, the Commission directed all concerned departments and agencies of the NCR State Governments and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to implement restrictions on dust-generating construction and demolition activities and introduce work-from-home arrangements in specified districts.
Background: Revised GRAP schedule and seasonal air pollution
The CAQM had issued the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on 29 September 2026. GRAP provides a graded framework of preventive, restrictive and other measures for implementation at different levels of air quality, to prevent further deterioration, particularly during periods of adverse meteorological conditions.
The Commission examined historical daily Air Quality Index (AQI) data for November 2018 to 2025 and observed a recurring pattern of elevated air pollution in Delhi-NCR, particularly during early to mid-November. During this period, AQI levels had reached the ‘Severe’ and ‘Severe+’ categories on certain days.
The Commission identified local emission sources, seasonal agricultural residue and biomass burning, and emissions from other episodic events as contributors to the pollution load. It also noted that adverse meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, a shallow atmospheric boundary layer and reduced vertical mixing, restrict the dispersion of pollutants.
In view of this recurring seasonal pattern, the CAQM considered anticipatory interventions necessary during the period preceding and coinciding with historically observed peak pollution episodes. The objective was to reduce emissions at source and minimise the accumulation of pollutants.
The Commission stated that the proposed measures were preventive in nature and limited to a specified period and geographical area, keeping in view the seasonal vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to air pollution. The exemptions for essential public infrastructure, national security and other critical services were intended to ensure that essential and unavoidable activities were not disrupted.
Restrictions on dust-generating construction and demolition activities
The CAQM directed restrictions on dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities throughout the entire NCR from 5 to 20 November 2026. The restrictions exempt projects relating to:
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Railways and Metro Services;
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Airports and Inter-State Bus Terminals;
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Hospitals;
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Water Supply and Sanitation;
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National security and defence-related activities; and
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Projects of national importance.
The restrictions will also apply to linear public projects, including highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines and telecommunication projects.
Up to 50% physical attendance in government and private offices
The Commission directed State Government and private offices to operate with up to 50% of their staff strength attending physically, while the remaining staff will work from home.
This arrangement will apply within the territorial jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi and in the districts of:
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Gurugram;
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Faridabad;
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Sonipat;
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Ghaziabad; and
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Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The arrangement will not apply to industrial establishments and essential services where such a working arrangement is not feasible. The directions will remain in force from 5 November to 20 November 2026.
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