CAQM Reviews Air Pollution Control Measures, Ratifies Revised GRAP in 26th Commission Meeting – EQ

In Short : The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma, reviewed key air pollution control measures and ratified an updated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aligned with Supreme Court directions. The meeting addressed vehicular emissions, stubble burning reduction, C&D waste management, expert committee formation, and enforcement actions. It emphasized coordinated implementation of statutory directions to curb pollution, particularly in the winter season.

In Detail : CAQM Chairman, Shri Rajesh Verma chaired 26th meeting of the full Commission on 22.12.2025. In the meeting following Key agenda items was deliberated upon and reviewed in detail:

• Adoption of the Annual Report (2024–25) and Audited Annual Accounts (2024–25) of the Commission along with the Separate Audit Report and actionable points, appended to the Annual Report.
• Ratification of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) dated 21.11.2025, modified in compliance with directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Commission reviewed the framework ensuring that measures under higher stages of GRAP subsume actions under preceding stages and further reviewed the implementation of GRAP during the current season, including actions taken under various stages and deliberations on additional measures under GRAP Stages-I and II, such as ensuring uninterrupted power supply, traffic decongestion, public advisories and augmentation of public transport services.
• Ratification of Office Order dated 10.12.2025 regarding constitution of an Expert Committee for abatement of air pollution caused by vehicular emissions, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, IIT Madras, with defined Terms of Reference covering emission assessment, health impacts, clean mobility strategies, EV readiness and regulatory measures.
• Discussion held on amendment to Direction No. 94 dated 03.06.2025 to accelerate adoption of zero-emission vehicles by Motor Vehicle Aggregators, Delivery Service Providers and E-commerce entities. The Commission considered stakeholder representations and proposed transitional provisions permitting induction of BS-VI petrol 2-wheelers in existing fleets up to 31.12.2026, while maintaining restrictions on induction of conventional ICE vehicles in other specified categories w.e.f. 01.01.2026.
• Review of Status of Paddy Stubble Burning during 2025: The Commission noted significant reduction in incidents due to integrated monitoring and enforcement efforts, with approximately 92% overall reduction in NCR as compared to 2021. Further, the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were directed to prepare State Action Plans for monitoring and enforcement for wheat residue burning for the harvesting season of 2026, based on which Statutory Directions shall be issued.
• Review of enforcement actions including status of closures and resumptions of industrial units by the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) and status of filing of complaints/prosecution.
• Discussion on management of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste: The Commission observed that dust emissions from C&D activities remain a major contributor to PM10 and PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR and noted need for improved compliance in dust abatement measures. The Commission emphasized strengthening supervision by Municipal Bodies and Development Authorities and they shall ensure establishment of collection points, storage and processing facilities for demolition waste, setting up of mechanism for verification of waste disposal prior to grant of construction permissions, and environmental management of C&D waste.
• Review of the issue of End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles in light of recent judicial pronouncements. The Commission noted that, pursuant to the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 17.12.2025, protection against coercive action continues for BS-IV and later emission standard vehicles, while restrictions on taking action against highly polluting BS-III and lower emission standard vehicles have been lifted. Enforcement agencies were directed to ensure strict compliance with applicable orders.

The Commission reiterated the need for continued strict vigilance, coordinated enforcement and effective implementation of Statutory Directions across all sectors, particularly during the winter season. All implementing agencies committed to regularly review air pollution control measures and to take strict and effective action across various sectors, including under GRAP.