CAQM invokes GRAP Stage III across Delhi-NCR as AQI rises to 354
CAQM's GRAP sub-committee invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire NCR on 16 January 2026 after Delhi's AQI rose from 343 to 354.
Summary
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all Stage III ('Severe', AQI 401â450) actions across the entire NCR on 16 January 2026 as a proactive measure. Delhi's AQI had risen from 343 at 4 PM on 15 January to 354 at 4 PM on 16 January, in the 'Very Poor' category, and IMD and IITM forecast that it could enter the 'Severe' category because of unfavourable weather and slow, variable winds. The Stage III actions were added to Stages I and II already in force; Stage IV followed the next day.
Key facts
- Date
- 16 January 2026
- Delhi AQI
- 343 (15 Jan, 4 PM) → 354 (16 Jan, 4 PM), 'Very Poor'
- Stage III
- 'Severe' air quality (AQI 401â450)
- Forecast
- IMD and IITM: AQI likely to enter 'Severe'
- Area
- Entire NCR, in addition to Stages I and II
Practice MCQs 2 questions
GRAP Stage III, invoked across Delhi-NCR on 16 January 2026, corresponds to which AQI range?
Show answer
Correct answer: C â 401â450
PIB (Environment): Stage III of GRAP is 'Severe' air quality, AQI range 401â450.
In which AQI category was Delhi's AQI of 354, recorded at 4 PM on 16 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C â Very Poor
PIB (Environment): an AQI of 354 falls in the 'Very Poor' category (301â400).