In response to rapidly deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rolled out a tougher version of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — shifting several key restrictions to earlier stages of pollution.
Under the revamped framework, many measures that were previously triggered only at Stage II (AQI 201–300, ‘Poor’) will now come into force right from Stage I. This means the region will see action much earlier in the pollution cycle, aiming to prevent AQI levels from spiraling into dangerous zones.
Among the measures advanced to Stage I are:
• Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to minimise diesel generator use
• Deploying additional personnel to manage traffic in heavy-congestion areas
• Broadcasting air pollution alerts across TV, radio, and print media
• Increasing public transport options by adding more CNG and electric buses, boosting metro frequency, and offering differential off-peak fares
The CAQM has also shifted several Stage III (“Severe”) measures down to Stage II, while certain Stage IV (“Severe-Plus Emergency”) actions will now be enforced at Stage III, marking a significant escalation in the pollution-control approach.
The tougher norms come as Delhi’s AQI has climbed to around 360, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The move also follows the Supreme Court’s recent nod allowing the government to impose stricter GRAP measures earlier than before.
With pollution levels expected to worsen further in the coming weeks, these proactive steps aim to protect public health and slow down the severe seasonal decline in Delhi-NCR’s air quality.
