The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, following a sharp improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
The decision was taken by the CAQM Sub-Committee after reviewing the latest air quality data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.
Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a significant drop from 175 on 3 May to 88 on 4 May, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The improvement has been attributed to rainfall and favourable meteorological conditions.
Stage-I of GRAP had been invoked earlier on 16 April 2026 after a rising trend in pollution levels was observed in the national capital.
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Despite the rollback, authorities have directed all agencies across NCR states and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to continue enforcing existing environmental regulations and pollution control measures.
These include compliance with statutory directions, advisories, and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CPCB, and respective state pollution control bodies.
The CAQM has also emphasised the need for continued implementation of dust mitigation measures and adherence to timelines under its comprehensive air pollution control policy.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review further actions based on evolving conditions and updated forecasts.
