The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday imposed Stage-I measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality slipped into the 'poor' category, PTI reported.

"The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi which was observed 179 (Moderate category) on October 20, has exhibited a sharp rise with AQI of 244 at 2 pm on October 21 (Poor category)," the CAQM said in a statement quoted by PTI. Livemint reported the AQI at 245 at 4 pm on Wednesday, citing Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, with Gurugram at 216 and Noida at 249, both 'poor'. It was Delhi's first 'poor' air quality day of the season, a day after Dussehra celebrations.

The CAQM said forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predicted the AQI would remain in the 'poor' category in the coming days. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the GRAP-1 rollout on Wednesday afternoon, according to Livemint's reporting of NDTV and News18 coverage.

Under GRAP-1, which applies when the AQI is between 201 and 300, the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open eateries is banned, and diesel generators may be used only in emergency or essential situations, PTI reported. Authorities have also been directed to intensify dust-control measures, including mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling, ensure proper waste disposal and prevent open burning.

Sources: PTI (via The Hindu BusinessLine), Livemint.