Delhi-NCR GRAP-III Revoked: Govt lists key citizen actions for pollution control as AQI improves

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday announced that it has revoked Stage-III (‘Severe’) restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after a noticeable improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

The update was also shared officially by CAQM on its X (Twitter) handle, signalling a shift from emergency actions to moderate-level interventions.

CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP revokes Stage-III of the extant schedule of #GRAP in the entire #NCR, with immediate effect.

For more details, visit:https://t.co/10coiZh5gs#CAQM #GoGreenBreatheClean pic.twitter.com/Y3yXPQbcap

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) November 26, 2025

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Air Quality improved to 327 after three days of improvement

The Sub-Committee on GRAP, reviewed the latest air quality data and forecasts by IMD and IITM. According to the panel, Delhi’s AQI has been consistently improving over the last three days and stood at 327, falling in the ‘very Poor’ category.

Forecasts suggests that the pollution levels will probably stay in the 'very Poor' category for the next few days, which is the reason why the authorities are reducing their measures to Stage-III ones.

Stage-III restrictions withdrawn with immediate effect

The Sub-Committee on GRAP constituted by the Commission shall meet frequently to plan for advance action and issue necessary orders for invoking various provisions of the GRAP, based on the prevalent air quality and the AQI forecast to be provided by IMD from time to time.

The Sub-Committee shall also review the actions taken by various agencies responsible towards effective implementation of the GRAP.

However, the Commission clarified that sites that were earlier issued closure orders for violations cannot resume operations unless CAQM grants explicit approval.

The Chief Secretaries of NCR States and GNCTD shall frequently review the actions and implementation of the GRAP especially when the air quality falls or is likely to fall in the ‘severe’ or ‘severe +’ category.

Stage I & II measures will remain in force

Although Stage-III has been revoked, authorities emphasised that Stage I (‘poor’) and Stage II (‘very Poor’) measures remain fully active under the modified GRAP issued on 21 November 2025.

All implementing agencies across NCR have been directed to intensify enforcement to ensure pollution levels do not again breach the ‘severe’ threshold. CAQM urged departments to maintain strict vigilance to prevent further deterioration, especially as winter conditions are expected to worsen air quality.

Citizens asked to follow GRAP advisory

In government advisory, the Commission appealed to residents to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stage I and II of GRAP. The public has been requested to avoid activities that could aggravate pollution levels and to cooperate with ongoing measures.

The Sub-Committee is empowered to invoke or withdraw different stages based on dynamic AQI trends and weather forecasts. Importantly, actions under higher stages are implemented in advance if pollution levels are projected to worsen.

Schedule under the GRAP for Delhi-NCR

People are advised to do these key things as per their current AQI in the city

Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality (AQI 201–300)

• Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
• Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
• Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
• Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
• Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
• Do not litter, dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
• Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
• Plant more trees.
• Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
• Do not drive/ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/Petrol vehicles

Stage II- ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (AQI 301–400)

• People to use public transport and minimize use of personal vehicles.
• Use technology, take less congested route even if slightly longer.
• Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
• Avoid dust generating construction activities during months of October to January.
• Avoid open burning of solid waste and bio-mass.

Stage III- ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI 401–450)

• Walk or use cycles for small distances.
• Choose a cleaner commute. Share a ride to work or use public transport.
• People, whose positions allow working from home, may work from home.
• Do not use coal and wood for heating purpose.
• Individual house owners may also provide electric heaters to security / other staff employed by them to avoid open burning of bio-mass / wood / MSW.
• Combine errands and reduce trips.

Stage IV- ‘Severe +’ Air Quality (AQI > 450)

• Children, elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.
• If required to move outdoors, they are advised to wear mask.

Continued monitoring and possible additional measures

The CAQM stated that it will keep a very close eye on the air quality situation and might take additional actions if there is an increase in pollution levels again. The Chief Secretaries of NCR states and Delhi have also been asked to review GRAP implementation frequently, especially if air quality trends indicate a drift toward the 'severe' or ‘severe+' zones.

Additionally, the Commission may introduce exceptions or supplementary steps under any stage, depending on real-time AQI and weather conditions.