CAQM ratifies revised GRAP; sets up expert committee on vehicular emissions
The Commission for Air Quality Management, at its 26th full meeting on 22 December 2025, ratified the revised Graded Response Action Plan and an expert committee on vehicular pollution headed by Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala.
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), at its 26th full Commission meeting chaired by Rajesh Verma on 22 December 2025, ratified the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of 21 November 2025, modified in line with Supreme Court directions so that higher stages subsume the actions of earlier ones. The CAQM also ratified an Expert Committee on vehicular emissions under Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras, and noted about a 92% reduction in paddy stubble burning incidents in the NCR compared with 2021. Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were directed to prepare State Action Plans against wheat residue burning for the 2026 harvest season.
Key facts
- Date
- 22 December 2025 (26th full Commission meeting)
- Chair
- Rajesh Verma, CAQM Chairman
- Ratified
- Revised GRAP dated 21.11.2025 (higher stages subsume lower)
- Expert committee
- Vehicular emissions, chaired by Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala (IIT Madras)
- Stubble burning
- About 92% reduction in NCR vs 2021
- Next
- PB, HR, UP to prepare wheat-residue action plans for 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Who chairs the CAQM Expert Committee on abatement of air pollution from vehicular emissions, ratified in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ashok Jhunjhunwala
PIB 2207584: the Expert Committee for abatement of air pollution caused by vehicular emissions is chaired by Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, IIT Madras. Rajesh Verma is CAQM's Chairman.
According to CAQM's review in December 2025, paddy stubble burning incidents in the NCR fell by about how much compared with 2021?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 92%
PIB 2207584: the Commission noted approximately 92% overall reduction in NCR compared with 2021.