CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP invokes Stage-I of GRAP in entire NCR
Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 206 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) 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 the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:
- AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend due to variable surface wind and unfavorable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 206 for 24.03.2025 (in ‘Poor’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM predicts AQI to remain in this range.
As per the unanimous decision of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300), to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, with immediate effect. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been addressed to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period.
Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:
- Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
- 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.
- Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
- Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
- Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
- Plant more trees.
- Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
- Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles.
A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC.
All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.
The comprehensive schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in
