CAQM Revokes Stage‑I of GRAP for NCR as Delhi’s AQI Improves to ‘Moderate’ Level

<h2>Overview</h2> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Commission for Air Quality Management — statutory body that monitors and regulates air quality in the National Capital Region (GS3: Environment)">CAQM</span> Sub‑Committee has withdrawn all actions under <span class="key-term" data-definition="Graded Response Action Plan — a multi‑stage framework that triggers specific pollution‑control measures when air quality deteriorates (GS3: Environment)">GRAP</span> in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Capital Region — the metropolitan area that includes Delhi and surrounding districts of neighbouring states (GS2: Polity)">NCR</span>. The decision follows a sharp fall in Delhi’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Air Quality Index — a composite indicator that reflects the concentration of major pollutants; lower values mean cleaner air (GS3: Environment)">AQI</span> from 207 on 28 May 2026 to 123 on 29 May 2026, moving the city into the ‘Moderate’ band.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li><strong>29 May 2026:</strong> CAQM revokes Stage‑I of GRAP across the entire NCR with immediate effect.</li> <li>Delhi’s daily average AQI dropped to <strong>123</strong> (moderate) after strong winds and light rain.</li> <li>IMD/IITM forecasts predict the AQI will stay in the ‘Moderate’ range for the next few days.</li> <li>The Sub‑Committee advises all state and Delhi agencies to strictly implement existing statutory directions, advisories, and orders issued by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — central ministry responsible for environmental policy, climate action and forest management (GS3: Environment)">MoEFCC</span>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Central Pollution Control Board — apex body under MoEFCC that formulates pollution control standards and monitors compliance (GS3: Environment)">CPCB</span>, and respective State Pollution Control Boards and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Delhi Pollution Control Committee — agency that enforces pollution control measures within Delhi (GS3: Environment)">DPCC</span>.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The CAQM had earlier invoked Stage‑I of GRAP on <strong>19 May 2026</strong> when AQI trends began rising. Stage‑I typically includes measures such as restricting construction activities, limiting diesel generator use, and curbing vehicular emissions. The present revocation does not cancel these rules; it merely suspends the emergency actions while the air quality remains acceptable.</p> <p>Weather conditions played a decisive role: strong winds dispersed pollutants, and light rain helped wash them out of the atmosphere, leading to the observed AQI improvement.</p> <h3>Relevance for UPSC</h3> <p>Understanding the GRAP mechanism is essential for GS‑III (Environment) as it illustrates how the government operationalises air‑quality management through a graded response. The coordination between central min