Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:14am on 21 Oct 2026,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Authorities have imposed Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category following Dussehra celebrations. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) rose from 179 on October 20 to 244 by 2 pm on October 21, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate pollution-control measures. The rise followed effigy burning and firecrackers during the festivities, alongside seasonal weather changes that can trap pollutants. Stage 1 measures include stricter dust control, road cleaning, action against waste burning and closer monitoring of construction activities. Authorities will review conditions to prevent further deterioration.
