CAQM Revokes GRAP Stage II in Delhi-NCR

23 Feb 2026 CW Team

The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked all Stage-II actions across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect after noting a consistent improvement in Delhi's daily average air quality index. The measure followed the invocation of Stage-II on 19 October 2025 when the average index began to exhibit an increasing trend. The Sub-Committee emphasised that monitoring arrangements would remain active to guard against any reversal.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed a downward trend in the daily average air quality index for Delhi, with readings of 261 on 16 February 2026, 249 on 17 February 2026 and 214 on 18 February 2026 at four pm. The bulletin from the CPCB was a principal input in the Sub-Committee's evaluation of prevailing conditions.

During its review the Sub-Committee considered forecasts of meteorological conditions and air quality prepared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and noted that favourable weather had contributed to the observed improvement. The forecasts indicated that the index was likely to remain in the poor to moderate category in the coming days, and the Sub-Committee accordingly decided to revoke all actions under Stage-II.

Measures under Stage-I of the GRAP will continue to remain in force and were to be implemented, monitored and reviewed by concerned agencies listed in the extant GRAP to ensure that air quality levels do not deteriorate. Implementing agencies were directed to maintain strict vigil and intensify measures under Stage-I. The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time.

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