CAQM revokes GRAP Stage-III in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
The CAQM's GRAP sub-committee revoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR on 2 January 2026 after Delhi's AQI improved to 236 due to strong winds.
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect on 2 January 2026, after Delhi's average AQI improved to 236 at 4 PM owing to strong winds and favourable weather. The GRAP sub-committee kept all actions under Stages I and II in force across NCR, since IMD/IITM forecasts expected the AQI to stay in the 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' range. CAQM said construction and demolition sites under specific closure orders cannot resume work without the Commission's order.
Key facts
- Decision
- GRAP Stage-III revoked, 2 January 2026
- Delhi AQI
- 236 at 4 PM (CPCB)
- Reason
- Strong winds, favourable meteorology
- Still in force
- GRAP Stages I and II (schedule of November 2025)
- Forecast
- 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' (IMD/IITM)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III on 2 January 2026, which stages of GRAP remained in force across NCR?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Stages I and II
PIB (CAQM): all actions under Stages I and II of the extant GRAP schedule (November 2025) remained invoked across NCR.
What was Delhi's average AQI at 4 PM on 2 January 2026, when CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 236
PIB (CAQM): Delhi's daily average AQI clocked 236 at 4:00 PM, as per the CPCB bulletin.