The Commission for Air Quality Management in National capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on March 16, 2026, issued order on Revocation of actions under Stage I ('Poor' Air Quality, AQI: 201- 300) of extant schedule of GRAP in Delhi.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR with immediate effect, following improvement in air quality.
The decision comes after a review by the GRAP Sub-Committee, which noted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 119 (moderate category) on March 16, 2026, supported by favorable meteorological conditions and positive forecasts from India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Accordingly, the earlier order invoking Stage-I actions (for “Poor” air quality) has been withdrawn. However, all State Governments, GNCTD, and concerned agencies have been directed to continue enforcing existing pollution control measures, guidelines, and regulations issued by CAQM, MoEFCC, and pollution control boards to prevent deterioration in air quality.
The Commission has also emphasized strict implementation of sector-specific measures, particularly dust mitigation, and adherence to timelines under its comprehensive air pollution control policy to sustain the improved AQI levels.
[Order No.120017/27/GRAP/2021/CAQM-1574 DT]
