Delhi's air quality index (AQI) shot up from 362 (very poor) on November 10 to a severe 425 as of 9 am on November 11. This prompted the central government to enforce stricter anti-pollution measures across the Delhi-NCR by invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

GRAP, the primary mechanism for managing air pollution during winter, categorises air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201 to 300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301 to 400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401 to 450) and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

The AQI in Delhi has reached a hazardous 425. Under GRAP, if air quality deteriorates further to Stage IV, classified as ‘ Severe Plus’ with an AQI above 450, state authorities can consider additional emergency measures.

These may include closing

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