Delhi, Jan 20:The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage IV actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on 20.01.2026, in view of the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.
The Sub-Committee had invoked Stage IV of GRAP on 17.01.2026, following a sharp rise in Delhi’s average AQI. Subsequently, Delhi’s air quality showed steady improvement. As per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI improved from 440 on 18.01.2026 to 410 on 19.01.2026 and 378 on 19.01.2026. In view of this improving trend and based on air quality and meteorological forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the CAQM Sub-Committee met today to review the situation.
The Sub-Committee noted that favourable meteorological conditions, including increased wind speed, have led to improvement in Delhi’s AQI, which is currently in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Forecasts indicate that AQI is likely to remain in this range in the coming days. Considering the improvement in air quality, forecast trends and the disruptive nature of Stage IV restrictions impacting a large number of stakeholders and public, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage IV of the extant GRAP across the entire NCR with immediate effect.
All actions under GRAP Stages I, II, and III shall, however, remain in force and reviewed by all agencies concerned in NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not rise further in the coming days. All concerned agencies are directed to strictly implement and intensify measures under these stages to prevent any further deterioration in air quality and to avoid the need for re-imposition of Stage IV.
Construction & Demolition project sites etc. which have been issued specific closure orders on account of violations/ non-compliances of various Statutory Directions, rules, guidelines etc. shall under no circumstances, resume their operations without any specific order to this effect from the Commission.
Citizens are urged to strictly follow the citizen charter under GRAP Stages I, II and III, particularly during the winter season when meteorological conditions may not be always favorable. The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM.
