Delhi’s worsening air quality triggers Stage-I GRAP across NCR

Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly on October 21, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR). The Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked from 179 (moderate) on October 20 to 244 (poor) by 2 pm on October 21. This marked a transition from the 'moderate' category to the 'poor' category, defined by an AQI between 201 and 300.

The sub-committee on GRAP made this decision after evaluating the current air quality situation and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). These forecasts suggested that the 'poor' air quality would persist over the following days.

Stage-I, the first tier of pollution control measures under GRAP, is triggered when the AQI falls between 201 and 300. It entails actions such as mechanized road sweeping, water sprinkling to curb dust, regular waste collection, and stringent monitoring of construction and demolition activities. Open waste burning is prohibited, and construction sites must adhere to dust-control guidelines.

Buses from certain neighboring states and towns are barred from entering the NCR unless they are electric, run on compressed natural gas (CNG), or meet BS-VI diesel emission standards.

Additionally, hotels, restaurants, and open eateries have been mandated to replace coal- or firewood-fired tandoors with electricity, gas, or other approved clean-fuel appliances. This measure aims to lessen smoke and particulate emissions, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The CAQM emphasized that all relevant agencies in the NCR must rigorously implement, monitor, and review these Stage-I measures to avert any further deterioration in air quality. They were also instructed to maintain close watch and intensify the execution of the prescribed pollution-control measures. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) operates in four stages, with Stage-I activating when the AQI falls between 201 and 300.

The revised GRAP-I, approved on September 29, 2026, comprises 25 actions that come into play when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the 'poor' category of 201-300.