<h3>Overview</h3> <p>On <strong>16 April 2026</strong>, the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region — statutory body that monitors and coordinates air quality measures in Delhi and adjoining states (GS3: Environment)">CAQM</span> Sub‑Committee on the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Graded Response Action Plan — a multi‑stage framework that triggers specific pollution control actions based on AQI levels (GS3: Environment)">GRAP</span> invoked all Stage‑I actions across the entire NCR after the daily average <span class="key-term" data-definition="Air Quality Index — composite index that quantifies ambient air pollution; ‘Poor’ category corresponds to AQI 201‑300 (GS3: Environment)">AQI</span> recorded **226**, placing Delhi in the ‘Poor’ category (AQI 201‑300). The decision follows an adverse meteorological outlook from the <span class="key-term" data-definition="India Meteorological Department — government agency providing weather forecasts and climate data, crucial for predicting pollution dispersion (GS3: Environment)">IMD</span> and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (<span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology — research institute that provides climate and air‑quality forecasts (GS3: Environment)">IITM</span>).</p> <h3>Key Developments (Stage‑I Actions)</h3> <ul> <li>Strict enforcement of dust‑mitigation guidelines for <strong>Construction &amp; Demolition (C&amp;D)</strong> activities, including registration on state portals and use of anti‑smog guns proportional to built‑up area.</li> <li>Mandatory lifting and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste, C&amp;D waste and hazardous waste from dump sites; prohibition of open dumping.</li> <li>Periodic mechanised sweeping, water sprinkling on roads and proper disposal of collected dust.</li> <li>Deployment of traffic police at congestion‑prone corridors, strict adherence to PUC norms, and impounding of visibly polluting vehicles.</li> <li>Enforcement of Supreme Court and <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Green Tribunal — specialized judicial body that adjudicates environmental disputes and issues penalties for violations (GS3: Environment, GS4: Ethics)">NGT</span> orders on diversion of non‑destined truck traffic, over‑aged diesel/petrol vehicles, and bans on firecrackers.</li> <li>Industrial compliance checks: emission norms for brick kilns, hot‑mix plants, thermal power plants; use of approved fuels only; penalties for violations.</li> <li>Power‑supply measures: minimise load‑shedding, ban regular use of diesel generator sets, and enforce the ban on coal/fire‑wood in tandoors.</li> <li>Public awareness drives via mobile apps, SMS, social media, and traditional media; citizen grievance redressal through 311, Green Delhi, SAMEER apps.</li> <li>Promotion of public transport (CNG/electric buses, metro) and differential fares to encourage off‑peak travel; encou