CAQM

June 16, 2025 10:51 AM

GRAP’s Stage 1 withdrawn from Delhi-NCR as AQI improves to ‘moderate’

Delhiites breathed cleaner air after showers on early Sunday prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to revoke actions under Stage-I. “Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 140 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),” said Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters in the region...

June 11, 2025 10:35 AM

Effort to clean up Delhi-NCR air gets new boost with urban road redevelopment plan

In a push to curb rising dust pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday signed a tripartite agreement with the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate the implementation of a standardised framework for the redevelopment of urban roads, including paving and greening of footpaths and sidewalks — a measure seen as critical to reducing dust leve...

May 16, 2025 10:25 PM

CAQM implements Stage-I of GRAP in Delhi-NCR to curb worsening air quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect on Friday, following a noticeable deterioration in air quality over the past two days. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Sub-Committee on GRAP held on May 16, after a sudden spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded, primarily attributed to the long-range transport of dust and strong surf...

April 3, 2025 11:52 AM

CAQM invokes stage I of GRAP in Delhi-NCR as air quality declines

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect after the region's Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the 'poor' category on Wednesday. The decision was based on the daily average AQI provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the CAQM stated. Under Stage I of GRAP, which is activated when AQI ranges between 201-300, 27 preventive actions are to be strictly implemented by all relev...

January 29, 2025 7:54 PM

Stage-III GRAP implemented in Delhi as air quality reaches ‘severe’ category

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, following a deterioration in air quality to the 'severe' category. According to an official order, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 276 on January 28, 2025, and rose to 365 by 4:00 PM on January 29, 2025. The increase has been attributed to variable wind direction, calm conditions, ...

December 16, 2024 10:25 PM

GRAP stage III re-imposed in Delhi amid ‘very poor’ air quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi after the city's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category. The CAQM attributed the sharp decline in air quality to "highly unfavorable meteorological conditions," which have exacerbated pollution levels. The CAQM introduced a revised version of GRAP on December 13 to address the recurring problem of winter pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP is a set of emergency...

November 25, 2024 9:57 PM

Supreme court refuses to ease GRAP-IV curbs amid Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to relax the stringent measures imposed under the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) in Delhi to combat severe air pollution. However, the court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider easing restrictions on educational institutions, highlighting the adverse impact on students deprived of midday meals, online learning, and access to air purifiers. The GRAP-IV measures were enforced last week after Delhi’...

November 21, 2024 11:00 AM

CAQM amends GRAP Stages III & IV: Stricter measures enforced in NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), introducing stricter measures to tackle escalating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Under the revised guidelines, NCR states are mandated to suspend physical classes up to Class V under GRAP Stage III and up to Class XII under GRAP Stage IV, marking a significant shift by removing the discretionary powers previously held by state governments. The amended GRAP also includes a ...