Under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), all inter-state buses from NCR states -- except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and BS-VI diesel buses -- will be prohibited from entering Delhi,

Delhi NCR is implementing GRAP Stage 3 due to severe air quality, halting non-essential construction and restricting vehicle use. The region's AQI has reached hazardous levels, prompting authorities to enforce stricter measures like banning certain vehicles and limiting construction activities to combat pollution.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of air quality and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM, which indicate a likelihood of the AQI remaining in the "very poor" range in the coming days.

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels every year in the winter. The air quality in the capital remains in the 'severe' category prompting the authorities to impose the third stage of GRAP.

GRAP stage 3 will come into force at 8am on Friday. The Delhi government announced that classes for primary schools will be shifted to online.

Delhi's air quality remained "severe" for a second consecutive day, prompting the central pollution watchdog to invoke restrictions under the third stage of GRAP, including a ban on construction activ

The tighter rule is aimed to curb pollution emnating from different sources as the AQI reached 418 on Thursday.

Delhi NCR will be under GRAP 3 restrictions starting tomorrow at 8 am due to severe air quality. Construction, demolition, and non-essential mining will be halted. Restrictions on interstate buses and a shift to virtual learning for primary schools are also included.

The decision to invoke the third stage of GRAP was announced by Commission for Air Quality Management, hours after Delhi government claimed that air quality in the city could improve without the implementation of the response.