CAQM revokes GRAP Stage-I measures across Delhi-NCR as air quality improves

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday reviewed the air quality scenario in Delhi-NCR in a meeting held here.

The commission also took note of weather forecasts issued by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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At 4 pm on Monday, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 119, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The commission stated that, considering the forecasts by the IMD and IITM, as well as the overall scenario, the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke its order dated October 14, 2025, which had invoked actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee said it will continue to keep a close watch on the AQI situation across Delhi-NCR and will take decisions in the future based on forecasts by the IMD and IITM.

The CAQM has directed the concerned agencies, including civic bodies and enforcement departments, to take note of the various actions and targeted timelines outlined in the comprehensive policy issued by the commission to curb air pollution in the NCR.

The agencies have also been asked to take appropriate action in the field, particularly with regard to dust-mitigation measures.

Meanwhile, with consistent efforts over the years to mitigate the severity of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, there has recently been an increase in the number of ‘Good’ air days and a decline in the number of days recorded in the ‘Poor’, ‘Very Poor’, ‘Severe’, and ‘Severe+’ categories, an official said.

Notably, last year Delhi recorded 79 days with an AQI of 100 or below, which falls under the ‘Good’ and ‘Satisfactory’ categories. The year 2025 also recorded the second-lowest number of “Severe to Severe+” AQI days — eight — since 2018.