Delhi AQI Hits 312, Enters 'Very Poor' Category: Will GRAP Stage 2 Be Implemented Ahead of Diwali?

In a concerning turn of events, the national capital Delhi's AQI entered the 'Very Poor' category for the first time this season on Monday morning, November 2, 2026. The 9 am reading, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), stood at 312, falling in the Very Poor category.

With Diwali, one of the country's biggest festivals, around the corner, GRAP Stage II can be implemented across Delhi-NCR to tackle rising pollution levels. Meanwhile, with no rainfall forecast in the coming days, air quality in the national capital will remain under close watch.

Let's take a look at the areas of Delhi that recorded the highest and lowest AQI readings and other important details.

From 1 November 2026, vehicle entry into Delhi will be restricted under the revised GRAP rules. ✅ Allowed: BS-VI, CNG, electric and exempted vehicles, subject to applicable rules. ⛔ Restrictions apply to: * Vehicles below BS-VI standards * Vehicles without a valid PUCC * Non-compliant interstate buses * Trucks not destined for Delhi (use peripheral expressways) * Tractors and jugaad vehicles, as applicable * Certain vehicles registered outside Delhi 📅 Check your vehicle’s eligibility before travelling and follow official traffic advisories. 📞 Traffic Helpline: 011-25844444 / 1095 #DTPUpdates #GRAP2026

— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) October 29, 2026

Which Delhi Monitoring Stations Recorded High AQI?

As per the monitoring data recorded at 6 am on November 2, 2026, several areas of Delhi reported Very Poor and Severe air quality. Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI, while Shadipur and Anand Vihar were among the areas with comparatively lower readings.

Top 5 Highest Recorded AQI Hotspots (Most Polluted)

1. Jahangirpuri: 417 (Severe) - Industrial activity.

2. Punjabi Bagh: 397 (Very Poor) - Traffic congestion.

3. Rohini: 396 (Very Poor) - Residential traffic.

4. Alipur: 377 (Very Poor) - Highway traffic.

5. Mundka: 376 (Very Poor) - Industrial activity.

Lowest Recorded AQI Areas 

1. Shadipur: 208 (Poor) - Commercial traffic.

2. Anand Vihar: 247 (Poor) - Bus terminal.

Will GRAP Stage 2 be Implemented in Delhi NCR?

As per the latest update GRAP Stage 1 has been implemented across Delhi NCR. But with rising AQI levels, the stage can be anticipated soon. 

The Grap (Graded Response Action Plan) 2 is implemented when the AQI levels cross 300. In this numerous rules and regulations are enforced across the region. 

When Does Each GRAP Stage Apply?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has 4 stages.

• Stage I - Poor (AQI 201–300): Basic pollution control measures are introduced.

• Stage II - Very Poor (AQI 301-400): Additional restrictions come into place. 

• Stage III - Severe (AQI 401-450): Stricter curbs are imposed.

• Stage IV - Severe+ (AQI above 450): The strictest measures are introduced to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

Also Read - 5 Big Changes From November 1, 2026: From Delhi Pollution Rules to New Banking Fees, List Of Things To Keep In Mind Ahead Of The New Month