CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect amid sharp rise in AQI

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP in Delhi- NCR with immediate effect amid sharp rise in AQI

Posted On: 21 OCT 2026 7:23PM by PIB Delhi Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 244 (‘Poor’ category) at 2 PM today, as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Further, daily average AQI rose to 245 (‘Poor’ category) at 4PM.

In view of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ category (AQI ranging between 201-300), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as forecast for weather/ meteorological conditions by IMD/ IITM and air quality index of Delhi, the Sub-Committee decided to invoke all 25 action points as per Stage-I of the extant GRAP with immediate effect, in the entire NCR.

Actions under Stage-I of the extant GRAP would be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies would keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant GRAP schedule.

Following are the 25 action points as per Stage-I of the extant GRAP:

Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300)

1. Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ Guidelines for enforcement of dust mitigation measures (C&D materials & waste are properly stored & duly covered, transportation of C&D materials/ waste only in covered vehicles, yardsticks for anti-smog guns, water sprinkling etc.) in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.

2. Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such C&D projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm, which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective State / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory Directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.3. Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), C&D waste, Industrial and Hazardous waste from dedicated dump sites/ industrial areas and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.

4. Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.

5. Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.

6. Strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.

7. Intensify vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites / dumpsites.

8. Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at all identified corridors with heavy traffic, congestion points/ intersections for smooth flow of traffic.

9. Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles and stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and / or levying maximum penalty.

10. Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order regarding diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

11. Strict enforce NGT / Hon’ble Supreme Court orders regarding ban on plying of overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and other restrictions as per extant statutes.

12. Intensify inspection of industries including in non-conforming areas and ensure strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and illegal units.

13. Strictly enforce all pollution control regulations in industries, brick kilns, hot mix plants etc. in NCR - strict compliance of the prescribed emission standards and use of approved fuels only.

14. Strictly enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and penal/ legal action be taken against non-compliance.

15. Strictly enforce orders of Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal regarding firecrackers.

16. DISCOMs to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.

17. Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.

18. Strictly implement the regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential etc. in accordance with Direction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023 with amendments, if any.

Capacity Range of DG sets System to be adopted for Regulations for use control of emissions Power generating sets of all None No restrictions capacities running on LPG/ Natural Gas/Bio-gas/ Propane/ButanePower generating sets up to None No restrictions.

800 kW (1000 kVA) capacity to standards as per MoEFCC

notification No. GSR 804 (E) dated 03.11.2022 DG sets to older specifications / standards 800 kW (1000 kVA) Any emission control No restrictions system/mechanism, and above however subject to compliance of the prescribed emission standards in Direction no.

76 41 kW (51 kVA) Dual fuel mode No restrictions to less than OR 800 kW (1000 kVA) Retro-fitted ECDs through certified agencies 19 kW (23 kVA) Dual fuel mode No restrictions to less than

Note: DG Sets not working 41 kW (51 kVA) in a dual fuel mode, only owing to non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, shall be permitted only for prescribed emergency services. * Portable DG sets below Presently no specific Not to be generally 19kW (23 kVA) means of emission control permitted.

are available in this Permitted only for the category / capacity range prescribed emergency of DG sets. services. *

Emergency services:

1. Only for operating elevators / Escalators / travelators.

2. Medical Services (Hospital / Nursing Home/ Health care facilities).

3. Railway Services / Railway Stations.

4. Metro Rail Corporation & MRTS Services.

5. Airports and Inter-State Bus Terminals.

6. Sewage Treatment Plants.7. Water pumping Stations.

8. Projects related to national security, defence & of national importance.

9. Telecommunications and IT/ data services.

19. Do not permit inter-city/ inter-state buses from any city/ town of the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and also from the adjoining states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K, other than EV / CNG / BS- VI Diesel, to ply in Delhi- NCR.

20. Strictly enforce the extant ban on use of coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries and ensure use of only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel - based appliances in these establishments.

21. Undertake intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities through print, electronic and social media, bulk SMS etc. including issuing alerts to citizens about Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.

22. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels and contact details of control room to enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.

23. Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, other such Apps and social media platforms to curb polluting activities.

24. Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.

25. Augment public transport services through CNG/ electric buses, metro and RRTS services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service.

Introduce differential rates to encourage off – peak travel.

Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and adhere to the following steps mentioned in the Citizens Charter of Stage-I of

GRAP:

Check AQI from SAMEER App and stage of GRAP in force from CAQM website.

Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.

Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.

Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.

Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.

Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.

Do not ply end-of-life / visibly polluting diesel or petrol vehicles.

Prefer public transport or pooling of vehicles for commuting.

Prefer EVs to control vehicular pollution. Ensure segregation and proper disposal of municipal solid waste.

Do not litter / dispose waste, garbage in open spaces.

Ensure disposal of waste only in designated collection points provided by municipal authorities especially in markets and public places.

Ensure immediate removal of C&D waste and compliances of dust mitigation measures.

Plant more trees and cover open spaces with grass and shrubs.Avoid using DG sets except for essential activities.

Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.

Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.

Participate in Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities and spread awareness about air pollution mitigation measures among fellow citizens through various means including social media channels The Sub-Committee shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the Air Quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM.

The comprehensive schedule of the extant GRAP (September 2026) is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in *** VM/GS/SK (Release ID: 2326133)Visitor Counter : 1171

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