CAQM Invokes Stage-II of GRAP Across Delhi-NCR to Combat 'Very Poor' Air Quality

PUBLIC NOTICE: Invocation of Stage-II ('Very Poor' Air Quality) Measures Under GRAP Across Delhi-NCR

Issued By: Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)

Order Date: November 2, 2026

Status: Active with Immediate Effect

Overview & Air Quality Scenario

• The Sub-Committee on GRAP comprehensively reviewed the regional air quality and IMD/IITM forecasts, noting a sharp rise in Delhi's AQI from 117 ('Moderate') on October 31, 2026, to 261 ('Poor') on November 1, and further escalating to 324 ('Very Poor') on November 2, 2026, due to unfavorable meteorological conditions.

• Consequently, the Sub-Committee has invoked all emergency and preventive actions under Stage-II ('Very Poor' Air Quality - AQI 301–400) of the extant GRAP schedule across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), effective immediately.

Key Actions Under GRAP Stage-II

1. Dust Mitigation & Road Management

• Daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling (infused with dust suppressants) will be intensified on heavy traffic corridors and congestion points, particularly prior to peak traffic hours.

• Strict inspections and targeted remediation will be enforced across identified pollution hotspots and Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites.

• Proper disposal of collected dust at designated landfills and dump sites must be strictly maintained.

2. Public Transport & Traffic Controls

• Vehicle parking fees will be enhanced to discourage the usage of private transport and promote cleaner mobility options.

• Public transport services (CNG/electric buses, metro, and RRTS) will be augmented with increased frequencies and additional fleets.

3. Office Timings & Staggering

• State Governments of GNCTD and NCR districts—including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar—are directed to stagger the working timings for public offices and municipal bodies.

4. Community & Welfare Measures

• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are mandated to provide electric heaters (along with proper power connections) to security, sanitation, and horticulture staff to prevent open biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) burning during winters.

Citizen Charter (Do's and Don'ts)

Citizens are strongly urged to adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stages I & II to prevent further deterioration of air quality:

• Commute Smart: Prefer public transport, carpooling, or electric vehicles (EVs), and minimize personal vehicle use. Keep vehicle engines tuned, maintain proper tire pressure, and ensure up-to-date PUC certificates.

• Remote Work: Individuals whose job roles permit are encouraged to work from home.

• Waste Management: Do not litter or burn garbage, biomass, or solid waste in open spaces. Ensure waste is disposed of strictly at designated municipal collection points.

• Heating & Cooking: Avoid outdoor smoke-generating cooking/heating activities and refrain from using coal or firewood in tandoors at hotels and eateries. Clean kitchen chimney filters regularly.

• Reporting: Report any air-polluting activities (such as open burning or dust violations) using apps like 311 App, Green Delhi App, or SAMEER App.

For More Details & Official Updates:

• Check live AQI levels and review the complete order details via the official CAQM Portal.