Revised GRAP Measures Activated as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Remains Very Poor

What triggered the revision

Revised GRAP Measures Activated as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Remains Very Poor: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is the emergency mechanism under Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) for the entire National Capital Region when the air quality declines. Static GK fact: GRAP defines stages such as Stage I (AQI 201-300), Stage II (301-400), Stage III (401-450) and Stage IV (450+ or “severe plus”).
On 22 November 2025, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI hovered around 360, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. CAQM revised the GRAP schedule accordingly.
The revision brings stricter curbs earlier: many measures originally meant for Stage IV are now triggered at Stage III or even Stage II.
The intent is to act earlier rather than wait for extreme pollution.

Key changes in the revised GRAP

1. Under the updated GRAP, actions previously under Stage IV are now applicable at Stage III (AQI 301-400). This means public, private and municipal offices may be asked to operate at 50% capacity with the rest working from home.
2. Measures formerly under Stage III are now shifted into Stage II (AQI 301-400) and Stage I levels (AQI 201-300) are correspondingly strengthened.
3. Mobility-management focus: At the very first stage (now Stage I), uninterrupted power supply is mandated to avoid use of diesel generators; traffic flow must be smoothened by enhanced enforcement; use of CNG and electric buses increased; metro services to increase frequency; differential fares instituted for off-peak travel.
4. Staggered working hours: For districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar, the updated GRAP mandates staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour vehicular emissions.

Why the revision matters

The addition of stricter early-stage measures recognises that pollution episodes in Delhi-NCR often escalate rapidly due to winter inversion layers, stagnant winds and vehicular/industrial emissions.
Static GK fact: Delhi is among the world’s most polluted megacities in terms of annual average PM2.5 concentration.
By triggering higher-stage interventions at lower AQI thresholds, authorities hope to control the ‘very poor’ phase before it moves into the ‘severe’ or ‘severe plus’ zone.

Implementation challenges and public impact

Despite the rules, several construction and vehicular operations continue, and compliance across the region is uneven. Some residents noted that in parts of Noida the AQI rose above 430, reaching the ‘severe’ category.
For public health, outdoor activities—including in schools—are being curtailed. The operation of diesel generators is being strictly monitored, and citizens are being advised to reduce outdoor exposure.
At the same time, increased deployment of public transport means an opportunity for reduced vehicle dependence—but the success hinges on effective enforcement and citizen cooperation.

Outlook

In the coming days, the real test will be whether the revision of GRAP leads to measurable improvement in air quality or merely formalises stricter rules. Forecasts suggest that without favourable meteorological conditions, the AQI may still oscillate in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ band. As such, the revised GRAP schedule is a preventive push—but sustained improvement will require multi-pronged action including emission cuts, behaviour change, and structural reforms in transport and energy.

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Revised GRAP Measures Activated as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Remains Very Poor: