The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the 2026 winter pollution season, extending vehicle restrictions to Sonipat in the Delhi-NCR region. Under GRAP Stage III, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles face plying restrictions in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and now Sonipat, according to livemint.com.
The updated GRAP framework includes 48 actions across four stages, with some restrictions implemented earlier and certain exemptions removed. The key change is the inclusion of Sonipat alongside the existing five high-vehicle-density districts where restrictions on specific petrol and diesel cars apply. The rules target vehicles based on their Bharat Stage emission category rather than registration year or age. Notably, CNG and electric vehicles are exempt from these private-car restrictions.
This revision marks a tightening of pollution control measures in the NCR region, reflecting growing concerns over air quality during winter months. The focus on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles aligns with efforts to phase out older, higher-emission vehicles. The inclusion of Sonipat expands the geographic scope of these controls, potentially affecting a larger number of commuters and vehicle owners. The move is part of broader initiatives to curb vehicular pollution, which is a significant contributor to Delhi-NCR's air quality challenges.
The new GRAP rules officially come into effect this winter, with enforcement covering six districts in the NCR, including Sonipat. The Commission for Air Quality Management will oversee implementation, aiming to reduce pollution levels during the critical winter period when air quality typically worsens.