The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), on January 16, 2026, invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, in view of a continuous deterioration in air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 354 on January 16, 2026, indicating a rising trend in the ‘Very Poor’ category, with forecasts by IMD and IITM suggesting a likely breach of the ‘Severe’ AQI threshold in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing the prevailing air quality scenario and forecasts, decided to proactively enforce all actions envisaged under Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality) in addition to measures already in force under Stages I and II. Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), along with other implementing agencies, have been directed to ensure strict and uniform enforcement of these measures across the NCR to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
As part of Stage-III, a 9-point action plan has been brought into force, including stringent restrictions on dust-generating construction and demolition activities (with limited exemptions for essential infrastructure projects), closure of stone crushers and mining activities, restrictions on plying of older-emission vehicles, hybrid mode of classes for students up to Class V in key NCR districts, and consideration of work-from-home arrangements in government and private offices. CAQM has also urged citizens to cooperate by adopting cleaner travel options, avoiding biomass burning, and following the Citizen Charter under GRAP, while the Sub-Committee continues to closely monitor air quality for further action.
[Notificatioon No.No. 1200 t7 127 IGRAP 12021/CAQM/542DT]
