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OngoingEnvironment & Ecology

Delhi GRAP Restrictions January 2026

Implementation and lifting of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions in Delhi during January 2026 due to air quality fluctuations.

2 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 202613 updatesUpdated 19 Jan 2026
GRAPAir Quality IndexDelhiCAQM

Story Summary

In January 2026, Delhi's air quality continued to fluctuate, leading to the re-implementation of GRAP IV restrictions amidst rising pollution levels and unchecked dust from construction. The Delhi Metro deployed anti-smog guns, while the government proposed EV incentives. The CAQM faced Supreme Court criticism, and the NGT issued notices regarding the impact on newborns. Concerns grew about the impact of the poor air quality on athletes' health, raising questions about Delhi's suitability for hosting major sporting events. The Union Minister directed the Delhi government to address road dust, but dust pollution from dug-up roads continued to choke the city, highlighting the structural nature of the crisis.

Key Facts

1GRAP is implemented in stages based on AQI levels.
2CAQM is the key body for air quality management in Delhi-NCR.
3Delhi government aims for 25% EV adoption by 2025.
4Supreme Court criticized CAQM for its perceived inaction.
5NGT is actively involved in addressing air pollution concerns.
6Road dust is a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi.
7CREA report indicated that nearly 44% of Indian cities suffer from chronic air pollution.

Timeline (13 events, 10 days)

19 Jan 2026(Latest)1 event

Concerns arose regarding Delhi's air quality posing a threat to athletes' health and the city's suitability for hosting major sporting events.

Source Articles
Delhi's Air Quality: A Threat to Athletes' HealthRead article
18 Jan 20262 events

Delhi reimplemented GRAP IV measures as air quality worsened, with unchecked dust pollution from dug-up roads contributing to the crisis.

Source Articles
Delhi's Air Quality Worsens, GRAP IV Measures ReimplementedRead article
Unchecked Dust Pollution from Dug-Up Roads Chokes DelhiRead article
13 Jan 20261 event

Union Minister directed the Delhi government to address road dust pollution through measures like smart traffic management and mechanized sweeping.

Source Articles
Union Minister Directs Delhi Govt. to Address Road Dust PollutionRead article
12 Jan 20261 event

Congress called India's air pollution a 'structural crisis' based on a CREA report.

Source Articles
Congress Calls India's Air Pollution a 'Structural Crisis'Read article
8 Jan 20262 events

Supreme Court criticized CAQM for lack of effective action on air pollution; innovative solutions for airflow were discussed.

Source Articles
Supreme Court Criticizes CAQM: A Wake-Up Call for ActionRead article
Rethinking Airflow: Innovative Solutions for Delhi's Air Pollution CrisisRead article
6 Jan 20261 event

NGT issued notice to Centre, Delhi govt regarding impact of air pollution on newborns.

Source Articles
NGT Issues Notice to Centre Over Air Pollution's Impact on Newborns' HealthRead article
5 Jan 20261 event

The Delhi Assembly Winter Session began, with air pollution and CAG reports on the agenda; NGT issued notice to Centre on air pollution's impact on newborns.

Source Articles
Delhi Assembly Winter Session Begins: CAG Reports and Air Pollution on AgendaRead article
4 Jan 20261 event

The Delhi government proposed incentives for switching to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce pollution.

Source Articles
Delhi Government Proposes Incentives to Accelerate EV Adoption and Combat PollutionRead article
3 Jan 20262 events

CAQM lifted GRAP III restrictions, including bans on construction/demolition and certain vehicles, as air quality improved from 'Severe' to 'Poor'.

Source Articles
Delhi Lifts GRAP III Curbs as Air Quality Improves, But Concerns RemainRead article
Delhi Lifts Air Pollution Curbs as Air Quality Improves to 'Poor' CategoryRead article
2 Jan 20261 event

Delhi Metro deployed anti-smog guns and mist systems to combat pollution at its stations and depots.

Source Articles
Delhi Metro Deploys Anti-Smog Guns and Mist Systems to Combat PollutionRead article
Story continues...

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