CAQM invokes Stage-II GRAP across NCR as Delhi air quality worsens
The Commission for Air Quality Management implemented Stage-II measures after Delhi's air quality index reached 324 on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, November 2, 2026. According to reports from The Hindu and ANI, the decision follows a sharp rise in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached 324, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
The air quality saw a rapid decline over three days, moving from 117 in the 'moderate' category on October 31 to 261 in the 'poor' category on November 1. The CAQM noted that unfavourable meteorological conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggest air quality may remain in the 'very poor' category.
Under the Stage-II directions, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) and NCR state governments must stagger working hours for municipal bodies and public offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Urban local bodies are also instructed to increase vehicle parking fees to reduce private transport use.
Additional measures include mechanical sweeping of roads, water sprinkling with dust suppressants on heavy-traffic corridors, and increased inspections at construction and demolition sites. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) must also provide electric heaters to sanitation workers, horticulture staff, and security guards to stop the burning of municipal waste or biomass.
Commenting on the situation, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that while the National Clean Air Programme focuses on PM10, the finer PM2.5 particulate matter is the primary threat to public health.