CAQM revises GRAP framework; several Stage II, III and IV measures to kick in earlier

CAQM issued clarifications emphasising that Stage IV measures had not been enforced. The air quality remained severe (Stage III), but not at the emergency level requiring Stage IV, it said.

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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday issued an order revising the implementation schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR), advancing multiple measures to earlier stages following directions from the Supreme Court.The changes follow hearings held on November 17 and 19, where the Supreme Court asked the Commission to proactively take measures, in consultation with stakeholders, to prevent further deterioration of Delhi–NCR’s air quality.CAQM in an order said it subsequently held detailed consultations on November 20 and proposed amendments to the existing framework notified in December 2024.Stage II measures to be implemented under Stage I

The order brings several Stage II actions forward into Stage I. These include:

• Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to discourage diesel generator use.
• Synchronising traffic movements and deploying personnel at congestion points.
• Issuing pollution alerts and advisories through newspapers, TV and radio.
• Augmenting public transport through additional CNG/electric buses and metro frequency, along with differential fare incentives for off-peak travel.

Stage III measures to now apply under Stage IITwo measures currently listed under Stage III will be implemented under Stage II:

• Staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar, with other NCR states allowed to take similar decisions.
• The Centre may consider staggering timings for its offices in Delhi–NCR.

Stage IV measures advanced to Stage IIIMeasures formerly under Stage IV have been shifted to Stage III. These include:

• Allowing public, municipal and private offices to operate with 50 per cent staff strength, with the remainder working from home.
• The Central Government may take a decision on permitting work-from-home for its employees.

Stage III actions were invoked in the region on November 11, 2025. Last week, social media and some news reports falsely claimed GRAP 4, the most severe pollution response stage, being imposed in the region, causing public confusion and concern about emergency shutdowns, school closures, and vehicle restrictions.CAQM issued clarifications emphasising that Stage IV measures had not been enforced. The air quality remained severe (Stage III), but not at the emergency level requiring Stage IV, it said.

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