CAQM invokes GRAP Stage-I across NCR as Delhi's AQI turns 'Poor'
The CAQM Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan on 16 April 2026 invoked all 31 Stage-I actions across the NCR after Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index reached 226, in the 'Poor' category.
Summary
The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on 16 April 2026 invoked all 31 actions under Stage-I of GRAP with immediate effect across the entire NCR. Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 226, in the 'Poor' category (201â300), according to the Central Pollution Control Board's bulletin, and forecasts by IMD and IITM indicated it would stay 'Poor' for two more days. Stage-I measures include dust control at construction and demolition sites, barring C&D work on unregistered projects of 500 sq m or more, regular lifting of waste, mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads.
Key facts
- Action
- GRAP Stage-I invoked across NCR, 16 April 2026
- Trigger
- Delhi AQI 226 ('Poor', 201â300), CPCB bulletin
- Measures
- All 31 Stage-I actions
- Forecast
- IMD/IITM: 'Poor' for next two days
- Sample measure
- No C&D on unregistered projects ≥500 sq m
Practice MCQs 2 questions
GRAP Stage-I was invoked across the NCR on 16 April 2026 when Delhi's daily average AQI was recorded at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B â 226
Delhi's AQI was 226, in the 'Poor' category (201â300).
Consider the following statements about the GRAP action of April 2026: 1. The AQI range for the 'Poor' category, as cited by CAQM, is 201â300. 2. Stage-I was applied only to Delhi and not to the rest of the NCR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A â 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Stage-I actions were invoked across the entire NCR.