GRAP Stage 1 in Delhi-NCR 2026: New Restrictions and Business Compliance Rules

Construction companies, factories, restaurants and other businesses operating in Delhi-NCR need to pay attention to the latest pollution-control restrictions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region with immediate effect from 21 October 2026.

The decision came after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 245, falling into the Poor category. Under the announcement, all 25 Stage-I measures are to be implemented across NCR. These measures cover construction dust, industrial emissions, diesel generator operations, vehicle pollution, waste management and other activities that contribute to poor air quality.

As far as companies are concerned, the first thing that should be done is determining which activities are still possible, and which pollution control measures have to be considered. Construction sites should adhere to dust control regulations; industries should follow specified emission standards; and firms that employ diesel generators should determine if their units satisfy the specified criteria.

However, GRAP Stage-I does not impose a complete ban on all construction, manufacturing or commercial activities. The restrictions vary according to the business activity and the applicable environmental rules.

Businesses should therefore review their existing pollution-control arrangements and identify which Stage-I measures apply to their operations. Environmental compliance services and Pollution Control Board consultancy may be useful where a company needs help understanding or meeting an existing regulatory requirement.

GRAP Stage-I Notification 2026: Key Details

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change published the announcement through the Press Information Bureau on 21 October 2026.

The main details are provided below.

The announcement requires the concerned implementing agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the Stage-I measures.

Importantly, it does not introduce a new general environmental registration requirement or a single GRAP Stage-I licence for all businesses.

What Is GRAP Stage-I and Why Has It Been Implemented?

The Graded Response Action Plan is a pollution-control framework used in Delhi-NCR. It identifies measures to be taken when Delhi's air quality deteriorates or when official forecasts indicate that pollution is likely to increase.

The Commission for Air Quality Management is responsible for overseeing the implementation of GRAP. It works with pollution control authorities, state governments, municipal bodies and other agencies to control pollution across NCR.

Under the revised GRAP schedule issued on 29 September 2026, the framework consists of four stages.

As air quality worsens, additional pollution-control measures can be implemented.

Why Was Stage-I Activated on 21 October 2026?

Delhi's AQI increased from 179 in the Moderate category on 20 October 2026 to 244 by 2 PM on 21 October. It subsequently reached 245 at 4 PM.

The CAQM Sub-Committee reviewed the pollution situation along with weather and air-quality forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Following this review, CAQM decided to activate all 25 Stage-I measures across NCR immediately.

The purpose was to strengthen pollution-control action and prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Is GRAP Stage-I a New Environmental Law?

No. The October announcement activates measures under an existing regulatory framework.

CAQM had already issued the revised GRAP schedule through Direction No. 104 dated 29 September 2026.

That direction was issued under Section 12 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.

The revised schedule identifies the measures applicable under different pollution categories. The 21 October announcement brought the Stage-I measures into operation.

This means businesses must distinguish between the activation of GRAP and their existing responsibilities under environmental laws, pollution-control directions and applicable consent conditions.

Which Businesses Are Affected by GRAP Stage-I in Delhi-NCR?

GRAP Stage-I applies across the National Capital Region. It is relevant to businesses operating in Delhi and covered NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

However, its impact differs from one business to another.

A construction company may need to focus on dust-control arrangements, while a manufacturing unit may need to review emission standards and approved fuels.

Similarly, a commercial establishment using diesel generators must examine its equipment's capacity and emission-control requirements.

The table below explains the main concerns for different sectors.

Businesses should identify the measures connected with their operations rather than assuming that all 25 measures create the same responsibilities.

What Are the 25 GRAP Stage-I Restrictions in Delhi-NCR?

The GRAP Stage-I guidelines contain 25 action points covering different sources of air pollution.

Some directly affect businesses. Others require government agencies to improve road maintenance, public transport, waste collection or enforcement.

Here is a simplified explanation of the complete Stage-I action plan.

The business-specific measures are explained below.

GRAP Stage-I Construction Rules in Delhi-NCR

Construction and demolition activities receive particular attention under GRAP Stage-I because excavation, demolition, uncovered materials and movement of construction waste can release dust into the air.

CAQM has directed the concerned authorities to enforce existing dust-control requirements more strictly.

For builders, developers and contractors, this means construction-site pollution control should remain part of daily operations.

Dust Control Requirements for Construction Sites

Construction companies must follow the applicable directions for preventing and controlling dust.

Relevant measures include:

• Keeping construction materials and waste appropriately covered.
• Preventing loose dust and debris from spreading outside the project site.
• Transporting construction materials and waste in covered vehicles.
• Following applicable water sprinkling and dust-suppression requirements.
• Using anti-smog guns where required under the relevant directions.
• Managing construction and demolition waste through appropriate arrangements.

These measures are particularly relevant where building materials are stored outdoors, or vehicles regularly enter and leave a construction site.

A construction company should review both its site arrangements and the instructions given to contractors responsible for transporting waste.

Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Construction waste includes materials generated during building, renovation, repair and demolition activities.

If this waste is left uncovered or dumped improperly, it can contribute to dust pollution and other environmental problems.

Under Stage I, the concerned authorities must ensure compliance with the applicable construction and demolition waste management requirements.

Builders and contractors should therefore review how waste is stored, collected, transported and disposed of.

Where a business needs guidance on its obligations, professional construction and demolition waste compliance assistance may be relevant.

Are Construction Activities Banned Under GRAP Stage-I?

GRAP Stage-I does not, by itself, impose a blanket ban on every construction project across Delhi-NCR.

Construction activities may continue where permitted under applicable rules and directions.

However, projects that do not comply with specified dust-control requirements or mandatory portal registration conditions may face restrictions.

Businesses should also check for any separate local orders or subsequent CAQM restrictions that apply to their project.

GRAP Registration Rules for Construction Projects Above 500 Sq. Metres

One of the most important construction-related requirements concerns projects with a plot area of 500 square metres or more.

CAQM's Stage-I schedule directs authorities to enforce Direction Nos. 11–18 dated 11 June 2021, as amended.

The instructions set up a web portal registration and monitoring system for eligible construction and demolition projects.

Which Construction Projects Need Portal Registration?

The system is used by eligible C&D projects above the specified plot area threshold.

Originally, the registration and monitoring requirements covered qualifying projects within the jurisdiction of urban local bodies and municipal areas in NCR.

On 29 September 2026, CAQM expanded the coverage to eligible projects in additional regulated and planned development areas.

These include applicable urban areas, controlled areas, development areas, industrial development areas, industrial zones and highway corridor zones.

The exact coverage depends on how these areas are recognised under the relevant laws and planning frameworks.

What Is the Purpose of the Registration?

The system helps authorities monitor whether eligible construction projects are following dust-control measures.

Depending on the applicable directions, the mechanism can involve:

• Online project registration.
• Monitoring of dust-mitigation arrangements.
• Self-audits by project proponents.
• Video-based monitoring.
• Air-quality monitoring through relevant particulate matter sensors.

The exact technical requirements depend on the governing directions and the particular project.

What Happens if a Construction Project Is Not Registered?

The Stage-I schedule directs authorities not to permit C&D activities at qualifying projects that are not registered on the designated portal or do not satisfy other relevant requirements under the specified CAQM directions.

For developers, registration status should therefore be reviewed before continuing applicable construction work.

The threshold does not mean that projects smaller than 500 square metres have no dust-control responsibilities. Other environmental requirements can still apply.

Diesel Generator Restrictions Under GRAP Stage-I

Many factories, offices, commercial buildings and residential complexes rely on diesel generator sets for backup power.

Under GRAP Stage-I, generator operations are regulated according to the equipment's capacity, fuel and applicable emission-control arrangements.

CAQM requires enforcement of Direction No. 76 dated 29 September 2023, along with applicable amendments.

The Stage-I schedule also states that diesel generator sets should not be used as a regular source of electricity.

GRAP Stage-I Diesel Generator Rules by Capacity

The capacity ranges are in kW, and the corresponding kVA values should be checked against the official equipment specifications.

The table must also be read alongside applicable DG-set directions and the restriction on using diesel generators as a regular source of electricity.

What Is the Dual-Fuel Requirement for Diesel Generators?

Dual-fuel operation allows a generator to operate using a combination of diesel and a suitable gaseous fuel.

For certain older-specification generators, the Stage-I schedule recognises dual-fuel operation as a way to meet the relevant emission-control requirement.

The applicable conditions depend on generator capacity.

For older generators from 41 kW to below 800 kW, the schedule also allows an eligible retrofitted emission-control device as an alternative.

For older generators from 19 kW to below 41 kW, dual-fuel operation is the specified arrangement.

What Are Retrofitted Emission-Control Devices?

Retrofitted emission-control devices, commonly called ECDs, are systems installed on existing generators to reduce emissions.

For the relevant generator category, the device must comply with the applicable technical and certification requirements.

Businesses should verify whether the particular device is suitable for their generator and whether the installation meets the relevant CAQM conditions.

An ordinary generator servicing certificate should not be confused with evidence that the applicable emission-control requirement has been satisfied.

Which Emergency Services Are Exempt from Certain DG Restrictions?

The Stage-I schedule allows limited exceptions for prescribed emergency services under the relevant generator categories.

These services include:

• Operation of elevators, escalators and travelators.
• Hospitals, nursing homes and other medical services.
• Railways and railway stations.
• Metro rail and mass rapid transit services.
• Airports and inter-state bus terminals.
• Sewage treatment plants.
• Water pumping stations.
• Defence, national security and projects of national importance.
• Telecommunications and IT/data services.
• These exceptions are conditional.

For example, the specified exception for older generators from 19 kW to below 41 kW applies where dual-fuel operation is unavailable solely because of the non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, and use is limited to the prescribed emergency services.

Are All Diesel Generators Banned Under GRAP Stage-I?

No. It is not the case that the rules prohibit every generator in an identical manner. There are some generators which can run if certain conditions are satisfied. Portable generators are more strictly regulated.

A business should first identify its generator's capacity and technical specifications before deciding whether it may operate under the applicable Stage-I measures.

GRAP Stage-I Industrial Pollution Control Rules

Manufacturing units and other industrial establishments operating in NCR are required to follow applicable pollution-control standards.

Under Stage-I, CAQM has directed authorities to intensify inspections and enforcement against illegal or non-compliant industrial units.

This includes establishments operating in non-conforming areas.

Compliance With Industrial Emission Standards

Industries must comply with the emission standards applicable to their processes and equipment.

These requirements may arise from environmental laws, applicable CAQM directions, industry-specific standards and conditions imposed through Pollution Control Board consents.

Businesses should check whether their emission-control arrangements are functioning correctly and whether the required standards are being met.

The October GRAP announcement does not establish one new emission limit that applies uniformly to every factory.

Instead, it calls for enforcement of the prescribed standards already applicable to the relevant industrial activities.

Approved Fuels for Industries

The Stage-I schedule also requires enforcement of approved fuel requirements.

Industrial operators should confirm whether the fuel used in boilers, furnaces or other production equipment is permitted under the relevant CAQM directions.

Fuel compliance may differ according to the industry, location, process and applicable exceptions.

Businesses should not assume that a fuel is permitted simply because it is available for purchase.

Pollution Control Board Consent Requirements

Industrial businesses may be required to obtain and maintain Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO) or other environmental permissions under the applicable laws.

These are existing regulatory requirements, not new approvals introduced by the GRAP Stage-I activation.

Where necessary, a company should review:

• The validity and extent of their environmental consents.
• Conditions regarding emissions and pollution control.
• Any restrictions on fuels.
• Monitoring provisions.
• Waste management and reporting obligations.

Businesses seeking support with Pollution Control Board consent should first determine which permissions apply to their operations.

Rules for Brick Kilns and Hot-Mix Plants

The brick kilns and hot-mix plants come under the industrial regulations of Stage I.

They must comply with emission norms and approved fuel specifications.

The operators are advised to familiarize themselves with the regulations pertaining to their machinery and activities, including any guidelines issued by CAQM and other pollution control boards.

Thermal Power Plant Compliance

Stage-I also calls for strict enforcement of emission standards for thermal power plants.

The revised GRAP schedule includes implementation responsibilities for relevant power plants within the specified coverage under the schedule, together with the concerned pollution control authorities.

Regulatory consequences depend on the applicable emission standards and governing legal provisions.

Vehicle Pollution Rules Under GRAP Stage-I

Transport-related measures are another important part of GRAP Stage-I.

The schedule focuses on controlling emissions from polluting vehicles, enforcing relevant vehicle restrictions and improving traffic movement.

PUC Certificate Requirements

Authorities have been directed to enforce Pollution Under Control (PUC) requirements strictly.

Vehicle owners and fleet operators must comply with applicable emission testing and certificate requirements.

Businesses operating delivery vehicles, transport fleets or commercial vehicles should review the PUC status of their vehicles.

The schedule also directs authorities to take action against visibly polluting vehicles through impounding or applicable penalties.

Restrictions on Overaged Petrol and Diesel Vehicles

GRAP Stage-I requires enforcement of existing Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directions concerning overaged vehicles.

Businesses should check which restrictions apply to their vehicles based on the applicable orders and laws.

The October announcement does not create a new, universal vehicle-age limit.

Restrictions on Truck Movement

Stage-I requires enforcement of the applicable diversion arrangements for truck traffic not destined for Delhi.

The relevant directions refer to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Transport companies should review their routes and applicable entry restrictions when planning vehicle movement.

Inter-State Bus Restrictions

The revised Stage-I schedule restricts specified inter-city and inter-state buses entering or operating in Delhi-NCR from the identified states.

It provides for permitted EV, CNG and BS-VI diesel bus categories.

Operators using other bus categories should review whether their services fall within the relevant restriction.

GRAP Stage-I Rules for Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels, restaurants and open eateries are also affected by the Stage-I measures.

The schedule directs authorities to enforce the existing restriction on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at these establishments.

It requires the use of permitted electricity-, gas- or other clean-fuel-based appliances.

What Should Restaurant Owners Check?

Restaurant owners should review the fuel used in their tandoors and other relevant cooking equipment.

Where the existing restrictions apply, continuing to use coal or firewood can create compliance problems.

A food business licence does not remove the need to follow applicable environmental restrictions.

Restaurants should therefore treat permitted cooking fuels and environmental compliance as separate matters from food safety licensing.

Are Restaurants Required to Close Under GRAP Stage-I?

The Stage-I schedule does not impose a blanket closure order on all restaurants.

It focuses on enforcement of the applicable cooking-fuel restrictions.

Any action against an individual establishment must be assessed under the relevant legal provisions.

Waste Management Restrictions Under GRAP Stage-I

Improper waste collection, open dumping and waste burning can contribute to air pollution.

The Stage-I measures therefore require stronger waste management and enforcement.

Municipal Solid Waste

Concerned agencies have been directed to ensure regular removal of municipal solid waste from designated collection and dumping locations.

The measures also require action to prevent waste from being dumped illegally in open areas.

Commercial establishments must continue following the waste handling requirements applicable to their activities.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Builders and contractors should ensure that construction waste is stored, transported and managed in accordance with applicable directions.

Covered transportation and suitable storage arrangements help prevent construction debris from spreading dust.

Industrial and Hazardous Waste

Industrial and hazardous waste must be managed under the applicable regulatory framework.

Businesses generating hazardous waste may have separate authorisation, recordkeeping, transportation and disposal responsibilities.

These obligations depend on the relevant waste rules and the nature of the business activity.

Where applicable, hazardous waste management authorisation assistance can help businesses understand the requirements connected with their operations.

The GRAP Stage-I announcement does not create a new hazardous waste authorisation requirement for every establishment.

Open Burning of Waste

GRAP Stage-I requires strict enforcement of the prohibition on open burning of biomass and municipal solid waste.

The schedule also refers to environmental compensation for violations in accordance with the relevant National Green Tribunal orders.

Businesses should ensure that waste is handled through permitted channels rather than burned or dumped in prohibited locations.

Penalties and Environmental Compensation for GRAP Violations

GRAP Stage-I requires authorities to strengthen enforcement of applicable pollution-control laws and directions.

However, there is no single fixed fine under the 21 October 2026 announcement that applies to every business or every violation.

The consequences depend on the particular offence, applicable legal provisions and directions issued by the competent authority.

Environmental Compensation for Waste Burning

The Stage-I schedule specifically refers to the National Green Tribunal orders dated 4 December 2014 and 28 April 2015 in Original Application No. 21/2014.

Authorities are directed to impose environmental compensation in accordance with those orders.

Any specific compensation amount must be checked against the governing provision and the circumstances of the violation.

Can a Business Face Closure for Non-Compliance?

A business may face restrictions or other regulatory action where the relevant legal provisions permit such measures.

However, it would be incorrect to claim that every GRAP Stage-I violation automatically leads to closure.

Businesses should assess the actual violation, the governing direction and the authority responsible for enforcement.

How Does GRAP Stage-I Affect Business Operations in Delhi-NCR?

The impact of GRAP Stage-I depends largely on the operations of the business and its existing level of compliance.

For construction companies, the main concern is whether dust-control and waste-handling measures are being followed.

Manufacturing units must focus on industrial emissions and approved fuels. Commercial establishments using generators need to check the equipment's capacity and emission-control arrangements.

For restaurants, permitted cooking fuels are important, while logistics companies must pay attention to vehicle-related restrictions.

Businesses that already meet the applicable rules may not need major operational changes.

Others may have to address compliance gaps, improve pollution-control arrangements or review existing environmental permissions.

The table below summarises these business concerns.

For businesses, the key is not to stop every activity but to understand which restrictions apply.

What Should Businesses Do to Maintain GRAP Stage-I Compliance?

Businesses should take a practical approach to environmental compliance rather than waiting for enforcement action.

The following steps can help identify the most important requirements.

1. Identify the GRAP Measures Applicable to the Business

Start by reviewing the activities carried out at the establishment.

A construction project, a factory, a commercial building and a restaurant have different pollution-control responsibilities.

Having knowledge about the relevant measurements will prevent any unnecessary work.

2. Review Existing Environmental Permissions

Businesses should check whether the environmental permissions applicable to their activities remain valid and whether the required conditions are being followed.

Depending on the activity, this may include Pollution Control Board consent, waste management authorisations or other environmental approvals.

No new universal GRAP Stage-I certificate is required simply because Stage-I has been activated.

3. Check Pollution-Control Arrangements

Businesses should review the equipment and practices relevant to their operations.

For example, industries may need to examine emission-control systems, construction companies may need to review dust-control arrangements, and commercial buildings may need to verify DG-set compliance.

4. Address Identified Compliance Gaps

Where a compliance problem is identified, the business should determine the action required under the relevant direction.

Corrective action may involve improving pollution-control systems, changing a non-permitted fuel, addressing waste-handling problems or completing an applicable registration requirement.

5. Maintain Relevant Compliance Records

Businesses may benefit from keeping appropriate records of required environmental approvals, inspections, monitoring and corrective actions.

Records should reflect the requirements actually applicable to the establishment.

The Stage-I announcement does not prescribe one universal documentation checklist for every business.

6. Monitor Further CAQM Announcements

The GRAP stage in force may change as the air-quality situation develops.

Businesses should monitor the official CAQM website and other relevant regulatory communications.

This is particularly important for activities that may be subject to additional restrictions if a higher GRAP stage is invoked.

What Happens if GRAP Stage-I Is Followed by Stage-II or Higher Restrictions?

The GRAP framework allows CAQM to introduce additional measures when the pollution situation becomes more serious.

Stage-II covers Very Poor air quality, while Stage-III and Stage-IV relate to Severe and Severe+ conditions.

Under the revised schedule, decisions may take into account both the prevailing AQI and official forecasts.

Higher GRAP stages can introduce restrictions that go beyond the measures applicable under Stage-I.

For this reason, businesses should not assume that the restrictions applicable on 21 October 2026 will remain unchanged throughout the pollution season.

Equally, restrictions reserved for higher stages should not be described as already applicable merely because Stage-I has been activated.

Businesses should follow the latest official order to confirm the stage and measures in force.

How Can Corpseed Help Businesses with Environmental Compliance in Delhi-NCR?

For many businesses, the difficulty is not simply understanding that GRAP Stage-I has been activated. It is identifying which environmental requirements apply to their operations and whether existing permissions and compliance arrangements are sufficient.

Dust control and waste management may need to be checked by construction firms. Pollution Control Board consent clauses may need to be explained to industries; for other companies, information on environmental clearances may be required.

Corpseed offers environmental consultancy and related compliance support for businesses.

Environmental Compliance Consultancy

Environmental consultancy provided by Corpseed will help businesses understand their environmental compliance responsibilities.

Pollution Control Board Consent Assistance

There are chances that factories and other establishments need the consent of the CTE, CTO or some other Pollution Control Board as per existing laws. Corpseed helps in such cases.

Consent to Operate Compliance

Industries holding CTO approvals may have ongoing conditions relating to emissions, pollution control, waste management and other operational matters.

Businesses can explore Consent to Operate annual compliance services where those requirements apply.

Construction and Waste Management Compliance

Builders, developers and waste-generating businesses may need to understand the relevant construction waste management rules and any separate regulatory approvals applicable to their activities.

Corpseed offers related compliance support through its environmental and waste management services.

When Should a Business Seek Professional Assistance?

Professional assistance may be useful when a business:

• Is unsure which environmental requirements apply to its activities.
• Needs to understand Pollution Control Board consent conditions.
• Is planning a construction or industrial project with relevant environmental obligations.
• Needs support with applicable waste management requirements.
• Has identified an environmental compliance issue requiring attention.

A consultant is not legally mandatory merely because GRAP Stage-I has been activated.

However, appropriate regulatory assistance can help businesses understand the obligations relevant to their operations.

Need assistance with environmental compliance in Delhi-NCR?

Contact Corpseed to discuss the applicable Pollution Control Board consent, environmental compliance or waste management requirements for your business.

Key Takeaways

CAQM's decision to activate GRAP Stage-I on 21 October 2026 requires stronger implementation of pollution-control measures across Delhi-NCR.

The important points for businesses are:

• GRAP Stage-I is in effect from 21 October 2026: All 25 measures were activated across NCR with immediate effect.
• Construction is not universally banned by Stage-I: Projects must comply with applicable dust-control and registration requirements.
• Qualifying construction projects require portal compliance: The relevant web-portal framework covers eligible projects with a plot area of 500 square metres or more.
• Diesel generator rules depend on capacity and conditions: However, not all generators are banned; certain emission control and emergency use regulations exist.
• Industries remain subject to pollution-control standards: Emission standards and approved fuel requirements should be met.
• Restaurants must comply with cooking-fuel restrictions: The existing restrictions on coal/firewood tandoors must be observed.
• Waste burning and vehicle pollution face stricter enforcement: Businesses should review their waste management and transport compliance.
• Future restrictions depend on official orders: Businesses must monitor CAQM announcements to understand which GRAP stage is in force.

The practical approach is to review the activities covered by Stage-I, check existing environmental compliance arrangements and address any relevant gaps.