GRAP-IV in Delhi: what is allowed and what is banned in the Capital as toughest anti-pollution measures kick in?

With the Centre invoking the most stringent emergency measures in Delhi-NCR to curb air pollution, several curbs including 50% work from home in all workplaces and mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for vehicles came into force early Thursday (December 18, 2025).

Stage IV of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) brings the strictest restrictions in Delhi-NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II and III of GRAP already in force by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday (December 18), with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 358.

Here’s a list of what stands banned

Entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below Bharat Stage-VI, or BS-VI emission standards. BS-VI standard fuel is said to be the world’s cleanest fuel. Exceptions are those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric).