The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on May 16th 2025 has announced immediate enforcement of Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision was made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 278, falling in the ‘Poor’ category.
The move follows a sharp decline in air quality attributed to long-range dust transport driven by strong surface winds — an episodic event beginning on May 15. The Sub-Committee of CAQM convened to assess the situation and unanimously decided to invoke Stage-I actions to prevent further deterioration.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- AQI on May 16, 2025: Recorded at 278 (Poor Category)
- Forecast: IMD/IITM predicts continued ‘Poor’ AQI on May 17.
- Action Taken: 27-point Stage-I GRAP plan implemented across NCR.
- Focus Areas: Dust mitigation, traffic regulation, industrial compliance, waste management, and public cooperation.
- Public Appeal: Citizens urged to follow GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter.
🔸 27-Point Action Plan: Major Measures Include
Strict control of construction and demolition activities, especially those unregistered or violating dust control norms.
Regular sweeping and water sprinkling on roads to minimize dust resuspension.
Use of anti-smog guns, especially at major construction and road repair sites.
Ban on open burning of waste, with enforcement of National Green Tribunal (NGT) penalties.
Smooth traffic flow via enhanced deployment of traffic police at congested areas.
Strict enforcement of PUC norms and impounding of visibly polluting vehicles.
Diversion of non-destined truck traffic using peripheral expressways.
Compliance with emission norms for industries, brick kilns, and power plants.
Ban on coal and firewood in eateries and roadside food stalls.
Promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles and discouragement of older diesel/petrol vehicles.
Regular lifting of all types of waste from municipal and industrial zones.
Use of clean energy alternatives in hospitality and industrial sectors.
Public awareness and reporting via Green Delhi, SAMEER, and 311 apps.
Encouragement for unified office commute systems to reduce vehicular load.
🔸 Citizen Charter Under GRAP Stage-I
The public is encouraged to:
- Maintain vehicle health (PUC, tyre pressure, engine tuning).
- Avoid unnecessary idling at red lights.
- Report pollution via mobile apps.
- Avoid firecrackers during celebrations.
- Use public transport or carpool.
- Avoid using older diesel/petrol vehicles.
- Support afforestation and eco-friendly practices.
The CAQM emphasized strict monitoring and periodic review of the air quality. All agencies across NCR are expected to ensure swift implementation of directives, particularly targeting dust mitigation, waste disposal, and vehicular emissions.
For full details, citizens and agencies can visit the CAQM website: https://caqm.nic.in
