The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on January 22, 2026, revoked the actions under Stage III ('severe' category, AQI range 401-450) of GRAP and intensifying actions under Stage-I & II of modified Graded Response Action Plan (21.11.2025).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), in compliance with directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, issued a modified schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 21, 2025 for immediate implementation across the NCR and adjoining areas. As per existing orders, actions under GRAP Stage-I, Stage-II, and Stage-III had been in force through separate orders issued in October 2025 and January 2026.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the prevailing air quality situation and forecasts from IMD/IITM in its latest meeting. It observed that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has shown improvement due to favorable meteorological conditions, recording an AQI of 322 on January 22, 2026. Forecasts indicate that AQI levels are likely to remain in the “moderate” to “poor” category in the coming days. In view of this improvement, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke the order dated January 16, 2026 invoking actions under GRAP Stage-III (Severe Air Quality) with immediate effect.
However, actions under GRAP Stage-I and Stage-II shall continue to remain in force and be strictly implemented across the NCR as per the modified GRAP dated November 21, 2025. Construction and demolition sites that were closed due to specific violations will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit approval from the Commission. Given the ongoing winter season and the possibility of unfavorable weather conditions, authorities will maintain strict vigilance, and citizens are urged to adhere to the GRAP citizen charter to prevent deterioration of air quality. The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the situation and review it periodically for further decisions.
[Order No. 120017/27/GRAP/2021/CAQM/1545/DT]
