New Delhi : The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has announced a revised schedule for the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective November 21, 2025.
GRAP serves as an emergency framework designed to tackle worsening air pollution across NCR. It operates on the basis of average Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and weather forecasts for Delhi, ensuring coordinated action among multiple agencies and authorities. The plan has evolved over the years through scientific analysis, expert input, stakeholder discussions, and lessons learned from on-ground implementation.
Ahead of the revision, CAQM’s Sub-Committee on GRAP held extensive consultations with stakeholders on November 20, 2025. Following these discussions, the committee approved amendments to the GRAP schedule, making it more stringent to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.
| Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300) |
| Ensure uninterrupted power supply to discourage use of alternate power Generating sets/ equipment (DG sets etc.). |
| Synchronize traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel at intersections / traffic congestion points for smooth flow of traffic. |
| Alert in newspapers / TV / radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities. |
| Augment public transport services through CNG/ electric buses and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service. Introduce differential rates to encourage off – peak travel. |
B. The following measures currently under GRAP Stage III to be taken under GRAP Stage II:
| Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400) |
| (i) GNCTD and NCR State Governments to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. (ii) State Governments may take a decision to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in other areas of NCR. |
| Central Government may take a decision on staggering of timings of Central Government offices in Delhi – NCR. |
C. The following measures currently under GRAP Stage IV to be taken under GRAP Stage III:
| Stage III – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450) |
| NCR State Governments / GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home. |
| Central Government may take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices. |
The aforesaid highlighted changes indicate the key amendments in the revised GRAP [November, 2025]. The complete details of the extant GRAP are available on the official website of the Commission i.e., https://caqm.nic.in
Further, all the agencies responsible for implementation of GRAP in NCR have been directed to take note of modifications made in the revised GRAP Schedule and implement the same immediately in the region.
