Curbs under Stage III include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition, closure of stone crushers and mining activities in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

Delhi Airport said that all flight operations are “currently normal” but urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for “updated flight information.”

As the Capital grapples under deteriorating air quality, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III has been imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM).

The GRAP-3 measures include a ban on construction activities and restrictions on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Delhi sees a major spike in air pollution every winter due to several factors, including the burning of farm waste in the adjoining states of Haryana and Punjab.

Delhi's air quality has been categorised as 'very poor' since 30 October, with the season's first 'severe' level recorded on Wednesday.

Delhi faced severe air pollution on Friday, prompting authorities to implement emergency measures. Construction activities were halted, vehicle restrictions imposed, and primary schools shifted online.

The stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force on Friday as Delhi's air quality remains under the severe category.

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 dipped to 'severe' with an AQI of 428, prompting the government to enforce stricter pollution control measures under GRAP Stage 2. Environment Minister Gopal Rai attributed the deteriorating air quality to calm winds and lower temperatures,