Delhi's AQI Improves to 'Poor', GRAP-IV Restrictions Revoked After Two Weeks
Delhi's air quality improved to 'poor', leading to the revocation of stringent GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures.
Photo by Ronak Naik
Quick Revision
AQI improved to 'poor' (211)
GRAP Stage IV revoked
GRAP IV includes ban on non-essential construction, polluting trucks, certain industrial activities
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Delhi-NCR Air Quality & GRAP Implementation Zone
This map illustrates the geographic context of the recent AQI improvement in Delhi and the broader National Capital Region (NCR) where GRAP restrictions are applied. It highlights Delhi's current AQI status and the states contributing to the NCR.
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Delhi's Recent AQI & GRAP-IV Status (December 2025)
This dashboard provides key statistics related to Delhi's recent air quality improvement and the revocation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions, offering a snapshot of the situation.
- Current AQI (Delhi)
- 211Improved from 'Very Poor'/'Severe'
- GRAP Stage IV Trigger AQI
- >450
- GRAP Stage IV Duration
- 2 Weeks
- GRAP Implementing Authority
- CAQM
AQI 211 falls into the 'Poor' category (201-300), indicating breathing discomfort for most people on prolonged exposure. This is an improvement from previous 'Very Poor' (301-400) and 'Severe' (401-500) levels.
GRAP Stage IV (Severe+) is triggered when AQI crosses 450, or PM2.5 crosses 400 µg/m³ or PM10 crosses 500 µg/m³ for 48 hours. Its revocation implies the AQI has fallen below these thresholds.
The stringent GRAP Stage IV restrictions were in place for two weeks, highlighting the severity and persistence of the pollution episode. Revocation offers temporary relief but underscores the recurring nature of the problem.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas is the statutory body responsible for implementing GRAP and coordinating pollution control efforts across the region.
Exam Angles
Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) - its stages, measures, and implementing authority (CAQM).
Knowledge of the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) - categories, pollutants measured, and health implications.
Legal and institutional framework for environmental protection in India (e.g., EPA, Air Act, CPCB, CAQM).
Sources and impacts of air pollution, particularly in urban areas like NCR.
Policy interventions and challenges in environmental governance.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved to the 'poor' category, prompting authorities to revoke the stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV restrictions after two weeks. The AQI, which had been hovering in 'very poor' and 'severe' categories, dropped to 211 on Wednesday.
GRAP Stage IV includes measures like banning non-essential construction, entry of polluting trucks, and certain industrial activities. While the improvement offers temporary relief, the consistent challenge of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) necessitates continuous monitoring and long-term policy interventions to address sources like vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and biomass burning.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR): 1. GRAP is implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the guidance of the Supreme Court. 2. GRAP Stage IV mandates a complete ban on all construction activities, including essential public projects. 3. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body responsible for air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas. 4. GRAP is a set of emergency measures that are invoked based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.3 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.2 and 4 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While CPCB formulates GRAP, its implementation in NCR is primarily overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which was established specifically for this purpose. GRAP was initially notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2017 following Supreme Court directions. Statement 2 is incorrect. GRAP Stage IV bans 'non-essential' construction and demolition activities, not all construction. Essential public projects are usually exempted. Statement 3 is correct. The CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, making it a statutory body. Statement 4 is correct. GRAP is indeed a set of emergency measures that are invoked progressively based on the severity of the AQI, ranging from 'Poor' to 'Severe Plus' categories.
2. In the context of India's National Air Quality Index (NAQI), consider the following statements: 1. The NAQI categorizes air quality into six categories, ranging from 'Good' to 'Severe'. 2. The 'Poor' category of AQI, as per the news, indicates an AQI value between 201 and 300. 3. The NAQI measures eight major pollutants, including Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur Dioxide, and Lead. 4. Ground-level Ozone is a primary pollutant directly emitted from sources like vehicular exhaust. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. The NAQI has six categories: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). Statement 2 is correct. As per the NAQI classification, 'Poor' air quality corresponds to an AQI value between 201 and 300. The news mentions AQI dropped to 211, which falls in this category. Statement 3 is correct. The NAQI measures eight pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia (NH3), Lead (Pb), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Ground-level Ozone (O3). Statement 4 is incorrect. Ground-level Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant. It is not directly emitted but forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight.
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal basis and institutional framework for air quality management in India, particularly concerning the National Capital Region (NCR)?
- A.The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as a statutory body, which is solely responsible for implementing GRAP across India.
- B.The Environmental Protection Act, 1986, provides a comprehensive framework for environmental protection, under which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was constituted as an executive body for the NCR.
- C.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, specifically empowered to coordinate actions and enforce measures for air quality improvement in the NCR and adjoining areas.
- D.State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are the primary authorities for enforcing GRAP measures, with the Central Government providing advisory support through the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option A is incorrect. While the Air Act, 1981, established CPCB, CPCB is not solely responsible for implementing GRAP across India, especially not in the NCR where CAQM has a specific mandate. Option B is incorrect. While the EPA, 1986, is a comprehensive framework, CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament (Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021), making it a statutory body, not merely an executive body constituted under EPA. Option C is correct. The CAQM was indeed established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, granting it statutory powers to coordinate, research, and enforce measures for air quality improvement in the NCR and adjoining areas, including the implementation of GRAP. Option D is incorrect. While SPCBs have roles, CAQM is the overarching authority for GRAP implementation in the NCR, and NCAP is a program, not an enforcement authority for GRAP.