GRAP Stage I Revoked Across NCR After AQI Improvement

07 May 2026 CW Team

Delhi's daily average air quality index recorded a marked improvement, falling from 175 on three May 2026 to 88 on four May 2026 after rain and favourable meteorological conditions, as set out in the AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board. The sub-committee had invoked Stage I on 16 April 2026 when the average AQI showed an upward trend. The revocation is intended to reflect the current assessment while remaining conditional on future monitoring.

The CAQM stated that all agencies of the concerned state governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) must ensure strict implementation of statutory directions, advisories and orders issued by the Commission and related guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board. This includes adherence by pollution control boards and municipal agencies across contributing sectors. Particular emphasis was placed on undertaking dust mitigation measures and other field actions envisaged in the comprehensive policy to curb air pollution in the NCR.

The sub-committee will keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and will review the situation from time to time to take further appropriate decisions based on Delhi's air quality and forecasts from the meteorological agencies. Agencies were urged to continue vigilant implementation of existing measures to sustain improved levels. The press release was issued by the Press Information Bureau on four May 2026.

The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has revoked Stage I of the extant GRAP schedule across the National Capital Region with immediate effect, citing an improvement in Delhi's average air quality. The decision followed forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology that indicated air quality was likely to stay in the satisfactory to moderate category in the coming days. The committee acted unanimously to lift all actions prescribed under Stage I. Delhi's daily average air quality index recorded a marked improvement, falling from 175 on three May 2026 to 88 on four May 2026 after rain and favourable meteorological conditions, as set out in the AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board. The sub-committee had invoked Stage I on 16 April 2026 when the average AQI showed an upward trend. The revocation is intended to reflect the current assessment while remaining conditional on future monitoring. The CAQM stated that all agencies of the concerned state governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) must ensure strict implementation of statutory directions, advisories and orders issued by the Commission and related guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board. This includes adherence by pollution control boards and municipal agencies across contributing sectors. Particular emphasis was placed on undertaking dust mitigation measures and other field actions envisaged in the comprehensive policy to curb air pollution in the NCR. The sub-committee will keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and will review the situation from time to time to take further appropriate decisions based on Delhi's air quality and forecasts from the meteorological agencies. Agencies were urged to continue vigilant implementation of existing measures to sustain improved levels. The press release was issued by the Press Information Bureau on four May 2026.

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