AQM revises GRAP for NCR to tackle worsening air quality

New Delhi, Nov 22: In a bid to respond more swiftly to deteriorating air conditions in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has announced key revisions to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The updated measures, finalised after stakeholder consultations held on November 20, will now take immediate effect across the region. GRAP functions as an emergency response mechanism, activated based on the average Air Quality Index (AQI) and forecasts of weather and meteorological conditions in Delhi. It enables coordination between multiple government agencies to implement timely interventions when air quality worsens.

The revised plan has been formulated after analysing scientific data, expert inputs, past experience, and field reports. The CAQM has realigned with some amendments and certain key measures under different stages to ensure quicker action:

 Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201–300)

These measures were earlier part of Stage II and have now been moved forward for earlier implementation: Ensure uninterrupted power supply to avoid use of diesel generator sets, deploy additional personnel and synchronise traffic movement at congested intersections, issue public alerts via newspapers, radio and TV with advisories on air pollution and precautions, increase CNG/electric buses and metro frequency; introduce differential fares to promote off-peak travel.

 Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301–400)

Certain Stage III measures will now be activated under Stage II that includes Stagger office timings for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar, other NCR areas may consider similar steps, the Central Government may take a decision on staggering timings for its offices in Delhi–NCR.

 Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401–450)

Earlier Stage IV interventions will now commence at Stage III: that includes NCR State Governments and the Delhi Government may permit 50% staff attendance in public, municipal and private offices, with the remainder working from home, the Central Government may similarly consider work-from-home arrangements for its offices. The CAQM stated that these changes aim to ensure faster mitigation when pollution levels begin to rise, rather than waiting for a severe spike. All implementing agencies across NCR have been directed to immediately follow the revised GRAP schedule.