India, Nov. 6 -- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect as air pollution worsened ahead of Diwali.

The decision comes amid concerns over deteriorating air quality in the national capital, with weather forecasts indicating that pollution levels could enter the severe category between November 7 and 9.

Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 382 on Thursday, November 5, placing it in the very poor category. The CAQM invoked Stage III as a precautionary measure to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

What restrictions will be imposed under GRAP Stage III?

The latest restrictions include a ban on non-ess...