In Short : The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage-I restrictions across Delhi-NCR after air quality improved to the ‘Moderate’ category. The decision reflects better AQI levels due to favorable weather conditions and reduced pollution sources, offering temporary relief while authorities continue monitoring to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
In Detail : The Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Monday revoked all actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, following a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions.
Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved from 175 on 15.03.2026 to 119 on 16.03.2026, as per the AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Taking note of the improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region, along with forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD and IITM.
The Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement and was recorded at 119 at 4:00 PM on 16.03.2026. The forecast by IMD/IITM also indicates that the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.
In view of the improved AQI levels and forecasts, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-I of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
All agencies of the concerned State Governments and GNCTD in the NCR have been advised to ensure strict implementation of all statutory directions, advisories and orders issued by the Commission, including the rules, regulations and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board, as well as instructions issued by the respective State Governments, Pollution Control Boards and DPCC across all contributing sectors.
All agencies have also been asked to take note of the actions and targeted timelines envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate measures accordingly in the field, particularly dust mitigation measures.
The Sub-Committee will keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecasts made available by IMD and IITM.
