The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) effective April 2, 2025. This decision follows Delhi’s daily average AQI reaching 217, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category as per CPCB’s bulletin. The move comes after the CAQM Sub-Committee reviewed both current AQI data and forecasts by IMD and IITM indicating sustained pollution levels.

As per GRAP, Stage-I is activated when AQI crosses 201, aiming to curb pollution through a 27-point action plan.

The plan covers key directives such as:

• Strict dust mitigation in construction activities and road management
• Ban on open waste burning and enforcement at landfill sites
• Enhanced vehicular checks and restriction of visibly polluting and old vehicles
• Industrial emission control, especially in brick kilns, thermal power plants, and hot mix plants
• Curbing use of diesel generators and unapproved fuels in eateries and industries
• Power reliability measures by DISCOMs
• Public advisories via mobile apps and social media on actions to reduce pollution

Citizens are also urged to follow personal responsibility measures under the GRAP Citizen Charter, such as vehicle maintenance, avoiding fireworks, and reporting violations through apps like Green Delhi, SAMEER, and 311.

Agencies including the Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and DPCC have been directed to implement the 27 measures with immediate effect. These actions are aligned with the broader CAQM policy targeting dust control, waste management, vehicular and industrial pollution particularly relevant as dust becomes a dominant pollutant in the upcoming dry months.

CAQM has confirmed it will continuously monitor the situation and may escalate actions to higher GRAP stages if conditions worsen. The detailed GRAP schedule and citizen guidelines are available on the Commission’s official portal.