Delhi-NCR Chokes: GRAP Stage 1 Imposed as Air Quality Hits 'Poor'
CAQM invokes GRAP Stage 1 in Delhi-NCR after AQI hits 244. Find out the measures being taken as air quality slips into the 'poor' category.
The struggle against smog has begun once again in the National Capital Region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially invoked GRAP Stage 1 across Delhi-NCR after the air quality plummeted into the "poor" category, triggering an immediate set of emergency measures to prevent further deterioration.
A Sharp Decline in Air Quality
The decision to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came after a critical review by the GRAP Sub-Committee. The data reveals a worrying trend over a very short window. On October 20, 2026, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 179, which fell under the "Moderate" category. However, by 2:00 PM on October 21, 2026, the AQI surged to 244, pushing the city into the "Poor" bracket.
Adding to the concern, forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that the air quality is likely to remain in the "Poor" category for the coming days, necessitating proactive intervention.
Immediate Actions and Vigilance
With the invocation of Stage 1, all concerned agencies across the entire NCR are now mandated to implement, monitor, and review the specific actions outlined in the GRAP schedule. The primary goal is to ensure that AQI levels do not slide further into "Very Poor" or "Severe" categories.
The CAQM order emphasizes a strict vigil and the intensification of measures. Furthermore, the authorities have urged citizens to strictly adhere to the citizen charter associated with GRAP Stage 1 to help mitigate the pollution levels.
Political Discourse and Long-term Goals
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa addressed the situation in a press conference, expressing deep concern over the trajectory of Delhi's air quality over the last decade. He criticized previous administrations for allegedly making excuses and blaming neighboring states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan instead of taking concrete action.
However, the Minister highlighted a silver lining, claiming a significant achievement in air quality management this year:
- Record-breaking 'Good' Days: This year, Delhi recorded 214 days of "good" or "moderate" air.
- Historical Context: Excluding the COVID-19 pandemic year, this is the highest number of breathable days in 12 years.
- Collaborative Effort: This progress is attributed to government initiatives paired with the cooperation of Delhi's residents.
The Roadmap to Cleaner Air
Minister Sirsa detailed the strategy being employed to tackle the menace of pollution, dividing it into short-term and long-term goals. The long-term vision includes:
- Dust Elimination: A comprehensive drive to remove dust from all roads across the city.
- Infrastructure: Ensuring end-to-end carpeting and paving of every road to prevent particulate matter from rising.
- Green Mobility: A gradual and steady transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
The Sub-Committee will continue to keep a close watch on the air quality scenario, reviewing the situation periodically to decide if further stages of GRAP need to be activated based on IMD and IITM forecasts.