CAQM Sub-Committee Implements 27-Point Action Plan Under Stage-I of GRAP

The air quality in Delhi has sharply declined, with the daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 278, categorizing it as ‘Poor.’ This deterioration is attributed to the long-range transport of dust exacerbated by strong winds. In response, the Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and has decided to implement Stage-I actions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) to mitigate further air quality degradation.

Current Air Quality Status

On May 15, 2025, the Sub-Committee for the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) observed a significant drop in air quality in Delhi, which was primarily due to dust transported by high winds. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the AQI for Delhi reached 278, placing it firmly in the ‘Poor’ category. Despite expectations for improvement due to variable surface winds, the AQI remained unchanged the following day, prompting the Sub-Committee to closely monitor the situation. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have forecasted that the AQI will continue to remain in the lower range of the ‘Poor’ category on May 17, 2025.

Implementation of Stage-I Actions

In light of the current air quality crisis, the Sub-Committee has activated Stage-I of the GRAP across the NCR. This stage includes a series of immediate actions aimed at preventing further deterioration of air quality. All relevant agencies are tasked with implementing, monitoring, and reviewing these actions to ensure compliance. The Sub-Committee has urged citizens to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Citizen Charter of Stage-I, which includes maintaining vehicle engines, ensuring proper tire pressure, and avoiding idling vehicles at traffic signals. Citizens are also encouraged to report any air-polluting activities through designated apps.

27-Point Action Plan

The Sub-Committee has introduced a comprehensive 27-point action plan that will be enforced immediately throughout the NCR. This plan encompasses various measures aimed at controlling pollution, particularly from construction and demolition activities. Key actions include ensuring compliance with dust mitigation measures, regular lifting of municipal solid waste, and strict enforcement of pollution control regulations for industries. The plan also emphasizes the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to plant trees, celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner, and avoid using older diesel and petrol vehicles.

Ongoing Monitoring and Future Actions

The CAQM will continue to monitor the air quality situation closely and will reassess the effectiveness of the implemented measures. The Commission has committed to reviewing the air quality regularly, taking further actions as necessary based on real-time data and forecasts from the IMD and IITM. The comprehensive schedule of the GRAP is accessible on the Commission’s official website, providing the public with detailed information on the measures being taken to combat air pollution in the NCR.

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