The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), on May 29, 2026, announced the revocation of all actions under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. The decision was taken after a review by the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP, noting a substantial improvement in Delhi's air quality, with the daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) declining from 207 on May 28, 2026, to 123 on May 29, 2026.
The Sub-Committee observed that strong winds accompanied by light rainfall contributed significantly to the improvement in air quality. Forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that Delhi's AQI is likely to remain in the 'Moderate' category over the coming days. Stage-I measures had originally been invoked on May 19, 2026, after Delhi's AQI began showing an increasing trend.
While revoking Stage-I restrictions, CAQM directed all concerned State Governments, the Government of NCT of Delhi, pollution control authorities, and other implementing agencies to continue strict enforcement of existing statutory directions, advisories, regulations, and pollution-control measures issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and other competent authorities. The Commission also stated that it will continue to closely monitor air quality conditions and take further decisions as required based on future AQI trends and forecasts.
[PIB Release:2266802]
