Delhi’s daily average AQI reached 244 at 2 PM, according to the CPCB bulletin. By 4 PM it had risen to 245. Both readings were in the ‘Poor’ category, prompting CAQM to activate Stage-I of GRAP throughout Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
Delhi’s air quality was in the ‘Poor’ band, covering an AQI of 201-300, when the CAQM sub-committee reviewed conditions across the region. Members considered the current readings alongside the weather and air-quality forecasts from IMD and IITM. They decided that all 25 measures under Stage-I of the existing GRAP should take effect immediately throughout the National Capital Region.
Agencies across NCR must put the Stage-I measures into operation and monitor their results. The aim is to ensure that air quality does not deteriorate further. Implementing bodies have been directed to strengthen surveillance and intensify the actions already included in the GRAP schedule.
The Stage-I programme contains the following 25 action points:
Construction and demolition sites must follow the applicable dust-control directions, rules and guidelines. Materials and waste should remain covered in storage and during transport. The measures also cover anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and environmentally sound handling of construction and demolition debris.
Authorities must apply Direction Nos. 11-18 of 11.06.2021 strictly. They must not allow construction or demolition on plots measuring 500 square metres or more when the project is not registered on the relevant state or Delhi government portal, or does not meet the other conditions for remote monitoring of dust-control measures.
Municipal, construction, industrial and hazardous waste should be removed regularly from designated dumps and industrial areas. Authorities must ensure that no waste is left illegally on open land.
Roads should receive periodic mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling. Dust collected during cleaning must be disposed of scientifically at approved sites or landfills.
Road-building, widening, repair and maintenance work should use stronger dust-suppression arrangements, including anti-smog guns and water sprinkling.
The prohibition on burning biomass or municipal waste in the open must be enforced. Violations attract maximum environmental compensation under the NGT orders of 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
Surveillance of landfills and dumps must be stepped up so that no burning incidents occur at these locations.
Traffic agencies should coordinate signals and movements and deploy sufficient personnel at busy corridors, intersections and congestion points to keep vehicles moving smoothly.
Vehicle PUC requirements must be checked strictly. Visibly polluting vehicles should face impounding, the maximum penalty, or both, as applicable.
Truck traffic without a destination in Delhi must be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways in line with the Supreme Court’s order.
Restrictions on overage petrol and diesel vehicles must be enforced under the relevant NGT and Supreme Court orders and the applicable laws.
Industrial inspections should be intensified, including in non-conforming areas. Illegal units and those breaching requirements must face the prescribed legal or penal action.
Industries, brick kilns and hot-mix plants across NCR must follow pollution-control requirements, meet emission standards and use only approved fuels.
Thermal power stations must comply with their emission limits. Non-compliance should lead to the appropriate legal or penal proceedings.
Authorities must implement the court and tribunal orders governing firecrackers.
Electricity distribution companies should reduce interruptions in power supply across NCR.
Diesel generators must not become a routine substitute for grid electricity.
Generator operations in industrial, commercial, residential and other sectors must follow Direction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023, including any amendments.
Emission-control arrangements applicable to generating sets
Generating sets powered by LPG, natural gas, biogas, propane or butane, irrespective of capacity
Generating sets up to 800 kW (1000 kVA) meeting the MoEFCC standards notified through No. GSR 804 (E) of 03.11.2022
Diesel generators manufactured to earlier specifications or standards
An emission-control arrangement may be used, provided it meets the limits specified in Direction no. 76.
Emission-control devices retrofitted by certified agencies
Where a generator is not operating in dual-fuel mode solely because gas infrastructure or supply is unavailable, its use is restricted to the specified emergency services. *
There is currently no designated emission-control solution for generators in this capacity category.
Operation is limited to the emergency services specified below. *
Operation of lifts, escalators and travelators only
Hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare services
Defence, national-security and nationally important projects
Telecom networks and information-technology or data services
19. Authorities must not allow intercity or interstate buses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand or Jammu and Kashmir to operate in Delhi-NCR unless they are electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel vehicles.
20. Hotels, restaurants and open eateries must follow the existing prohibition on coal and firewood in tandoors. These establishments should use electricity, gas or other approved clean-fuel appliances.
21. Public-awareness campaigns should use newspapers, broadcasting, social media and bulk messages to explain actions that reduce pollution and activities citizens should avoid.
22. Mobile applications should give residents pollution readings, control-room contacts and information about government action, while enabling them to report pollution sources.
23. Complaints received through the 311 App, Green Delhi, SAMEER, other applications and social media must receive prompt attention.
24. Offices should arrange shared commuting options for employees to help reduce traffic.
25. Public transport capacity should increase through additional electric or CNG buses and more frequent metro and RRTS services. Differential fares should encourage journeys outside peak hours.
Residents have also been asked to support implementation. The Stage-I Citizens Charter sets out the following practical steps:
Use SAMEER to check air quality and consult the CAQM website for the GRAP stage currently in operation.
Have vehicle engines serviced and tuned properly.
Renew vehicle PUC certificates within their validity period.
Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure.
Do not leave engines idling; switch them off while waiting at red lights.
Do not drive end-of-life or visibly polluting petrol and diesel vehicles.
Choose public transport or share vehicles wherever possible.
Consider electric vehicles to reduce transport emissions, and separate household waste for proper disposal.
Do not throw litter, rubbish or other waste into open areas.
Take waste only to the municipal collection points provided, particularly in markets and public spaces.
Remove construction debris promptly and follow the applicable measures to prevent dust.
Plant trees and cover bare open land with grass or shrubs.
Limit diesel-generator use to essential needs.
Choose environmentally responsible celebrations and avoid firecrackers.
Use the 311 App, Green Delhi, SAMEER or similar channels to report activities that pollute the air.
Join information and awareness activities and explain pollution-reduction measures to others, including through social media.
The sub-committee will continue monitoring regional conditions. Further decisions will follow periodic reviews of Delhi’s air quality and the forecasts issued by IMD and IITM.
The full GRAP schedule for September 2026 is available through the commission’s official site: https://caqm.nic.in