GRAP-1 anti-pollution curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality dips

The Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 211 on October 14, categorising it as “Poor.”

The move comes amid forecasts from the IMD and IITM predicting that pollution levels are likely to remain in the same category over the coming days.

The committee has directed all concerned agencies in the NCR to implement, monitor, and review the Stage I measures immediately to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

The CAQM order has been



communicated to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, as parts of these states fall within the NCR region. Agencies across the NCR are required to keep strict vigil and intensify the measures outlined under GRAP.

The Sub-Committee on GRAP will continue to monitor the situation and review further actions based on AQI trends and forecasts, ensuring a coordinated response to the worsening air quality.

Environmental experts attribute the spike in pollution to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, crop residue burning in neighbouring states, and weather conditions that limit air dispersion.