The Commission for Air Quality Management has put all Stage I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan into effect across the National Capital Region after Delhi's air quality fell to the poor category.

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• The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked all 25 action points of Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region with immediate effect.
• The decision followed Delhi's average Air Quality Index reaching 245, in the "Poor" category, on October 21, 2026.
• Stage I measures include dust control at construction sites, mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling.
• They also include a strict ban on open burning of biomass and waste and enforcement of pollution-under-control norms for vehicles.
• The National Highways Authority of India said on October 22 that it has intensified dust control on highways and expressways in Delhi-NCR.
• It has deployed about 60 water sprinklers and tankers, 14 anti-smog guns, 23 mechanical road sweepers and more than 900 workers.
• GRAP has four stages, which are triggered as the AQI moves from "Poor" to "Severe Plus".
• Seasonal weather conditions, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and stubble burning all contribute to the wider air pollution challenge.

Tags: GRAP, CAQM, DelhiAirPollution