CAQM revokes GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
The CAQM sub-committee on GRAP revoked all Stage IV curbs across Delhi-NCR on 20 January 2026, three days after invoking them; Stages I–III stayed in force.
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management's sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan had invoked Stage IV on 17 January 2026 after a sharp rise in Delhi's average AQI. According to the CPCB daily bulletin, the average AQI improved from 440 on 18 January to 410 on 19 January. Citing better winds, IMD and IITM forecasts that AQI would stay in the 'Very Poor' range, and the disruptive nature of Stage IV, the sub-committee unanimously revoked all Stage IV actions across NCR with immediate effect. Actions under Stages I, II and III remained in force.
Key facts
- Stage IV invoked
- 17 January 2026
- Stage IV revoked
- 20 January 2026, all of NCR
- Delhi average AQI
- 440 (18 Jan) → 410 (19 Jan)
- Category at revocation
- 'Very Poor'
- Still in force
- GRAP Stages I, II and III
- Forecast inputs
- IMD and IITM
Practice MCQs 2 questions
When had the CAQM sub-committee invoked GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR before revoking it on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 17 January 2026
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage IV was invoked on 17 January 2026 and revoked on 20 January 2026.
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage IV on 20 January 2026, which stages remained in force across NCR?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Stages I, II and III
PIB (MoEFCC): all actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III remained in force.