Amid rising air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) periodically activates different stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). In October 2025, GRAP Stage-I was invoked after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 211, falling into the "Poor" category. Subsequently, in November 2025, worsening air quality led to the implementation of GRAP Stage-III, which was later revoked when air quality improved. The GRAP framework ensures a graded, pre-emptive, and coordinated response to deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR.
Delhi-NCR remains one of the most polluted urban regions in the world. Major contributors to air pollution include:
During winter, lower temperatures and atmospheric inversion trap pollutants near the surface, resulting in a rapid deterioration of air quality. GRAP serves as an emergency response framework to tackle such episodes.
On 14 October 2025, Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 211, placing it in the Poor Category. Following a review by the CAQM Sub-Committee, GRAP Stage-I was activated across the NCR.A 27-point action plan was implemented to prevent further deterioration of air quality and ensure coordinated action among all implementing agencies.
Construction and demolition activities are major sources of particulate pollution. Therefore, strict dust mitigation measures were mandated:
These measures aim to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.
Authorities were directed to strengthen waste management practices through:
This is critical because waste burning significantly contributes to particulate pollution.
Key measures included:
These interventions aim to reduce emissions from transport sources.
Industrial units were directed to:
Strict action was recommended against industries violating environmental norms.
Public involvement was recognized as a critical component of pollution control.Citizens were encouraged to:
In November 2025, Delhi’s AQI entered the Severe Category, prompting activation of GRAP Stage-III.This stage introduced significantly stricter restrictions.
| Vehicle Category | Status |
|---|---|
| BS-III Petrol LMVs | Prohibited |
| BS-IV Diesel LMVs | Prohibited |
| BS-IV Diesel MGVs | Prohibited |
| BS-III/IV Diesel LCVs | Prohibited |
Exceptions were provided for essential services and transportation of essential commodities.
Most dust-generating activities were prohibited, including:
The objective was to reduce airborne dust during severe pollution episodes.
Other measures included:
On 26 November 2025, after a noticeable improvement in air quality, CAQM withdrew the restrictions under Stage-III.Consequently:
However, measures under Stage-I and Stage-II continued to remain in force.
| Stage | AQI Range | Air Quality Category |
|---|---|---|
| Stage-I | 201–300 | Poor |
| Stage-II | 301–400 | Very Poor |
| Stage-III | 401–450 | Severe |
| Stage-IV | Above 450 | Severe Plus |
As pollution levels increase, progressively stricter control measures are automatically activated.
The most important feature of GRAP is its pre-emptive approach.It helps:
GRAP provides a structured mechanism for responding to environmental emergencies in Delhi-NCR.
Despite its effectiveness, several challenges continue to affect pollution control efforts:
Addressing these challenges requires long-term structural reforms alongside emergency measures.
The Graded Response Action Plan has emerged as a critical institutional mechanism for managing air pollution in Delhi-NCR. By linking specific interventions to AQI levels, it enables timely, coordinated and evidence-based responses to worsening air quality. While emergency restrictions help reduce pollution peaks, sustainable improvement will depend on cleaner energy systems, green mobility, stronger industrial compliance, effective waste management and greater citizen participation.
| Category | AQI Range |
|---|---|
| Good | 0–50 |
| Satisfactory | 51–100 |
| Moderately Polluted | 101–200 |
| Poor | 201–300 |
| Very Poor | 301–400 |
| Severe | 401–500 |
Updated – 14 October 2025 ; 10:45 PM | News Sources: DD News – GRAP Stage-I Invoked Across NCR, Indian Express – Delhi GRAP Stage-III Vehicle Restrictions, LiveMint – Delhi-NCR Lifts GRAP Stage-III Restrictions