Air quality commission invokes all 25 action points of the first stage of the graded response plan across the capital region
21 October 2026
The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region invoked all 25 action points of Stage-I with immediate effect across the entire National Capital Region on 21 October 2026. Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index stood at 244 at 2 PM and 245 at 4 PM in the Central Pollution Control Board bulletin, both in the Poor category, which covers the range 201 to 300. The measures include dust control and proper handling of construction and demolition waste, regular waste lifting, a ban on open burning of biomass and municipal waste, traffic synchronisation, enforcement of pollution under control norms, restrictions on diesel generator sets and on inter-city buses from certain states unless they are electric, compressed natural gas or BS-VI diesel, and a ban on coal and firewood in tandoors at eateries. The Sub-Committee said it will continue to review air quality and the forecasts of the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
In plain words
GRAP Graded Response Action Plan — A set of emergency measures for the National Capital Region that tighten in stages as air quality worsens.
CAQM Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas — A statutory body that issues binding directions on air quality in the capital region.