The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially implemented Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 209 on June 7, 2025 — falling in the ‘Poor’ category (201-300 range).
This decision comes following a review meeting held by the GRAP Sub-Committee, which took into account the rising trend in air pollution and the forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), both indicating that the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘Poor’ category in the coming days.
As per the revised GRAP guidelines issued on December 13, 2024, all concerned agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) are directed to immediately enforce actions outlined under Stage I. This includes intensified dust control, strict enforcement of pollution norms at construction sites, and increased street cleaning efforts.
Agencies have also been asked to ensure vigilant monitoring and take additional field-level actions to prevent further decline in air quality. The public is urged to adhere to the citizen charter under Stage I of GRAP, which outlines voluntary steps to reduce pollution levels, such as minimizing vehicle use and refraining from open burning.
The CAQM emphasized that all implementing bodies must follow the timelines and action points detailed in its comprehensive policy document. Dust mitigation remains a key focus area under this stage.
Authorities will continue to assess the air quality situation and forecasts closely, with provisions to escalate to higher stages of GRAP if conditions worsen.
