The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency anti-pollution measures that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) switches on in Delhi-NCR as the Air Quality Index worsens. It has four stages, from 'Poor' to 'Severe+'. This guide explains the AQI thresholds, what each stage restricts, who it affects and how to check the current stage.
Quick answer
GRAP is Delhi-NCR's emergency playbook for bad air. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses set thresholds, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) orders a stage of restrictions across Delhi and neighbouring districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. There are four stages, and they stack: Stage III includes everything in Stages I and II, plus more.
Late October to mid-November is usually the worst stretch. Falling temperatures, calm winds, crop-residue fires in the north-west, and festival-time emissions combine to trap pollution close to the ground.
The four stages
| Stage | AQI range | Category | Typical trigger time |
|---|
| I | 201–300 | Poor | Usually from early October |
| II | 301–400 | Very Poor | Late October onwards |
| III | 401–450 | Severe | Around Diwali and November spells |
| IV | Above 450 | Severe+ | Worst episodes |
CAQM can also invoke a stage pre-emptively — up to three days in advance — when IMD and IITM forecasts suggest air quality will deteriorate.
What each stage restricts
Stage I – "Poor"
- Dust control at construction sites above a size threshold; anti-smog guns at large sites
- Mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling
- Strict enforcement against open burning of waste
- Action against visibly polluting vehicles and enforcement of PUC (pollution under control) certificates
- Restrictions on the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries
- Diesel generators restricted except for emergency and essential services
Stage II – "Very Poor" (adds to Stage I)
- More frequent road cleaning and dust suppression on identified hotspots
- Stricter limits on diesel generator use
- Parking fees may be raised to discourage private vehicles
- Public transport services increased (more buses and metro trips)
- Public advisories to use public transport and avoid outdoor activity for sensitive groups
Stage III – "Severe" (adds to Stages I & II)
- Ban on non-essential construction and demolition activity in the NCR (projects like railways, metro, hospitals and defence may be exempt)
- Stone crushers and mining operations shut
- Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and nearby districts
- State governments may shift primary classes to hybrid or online mode
- Offices may be advised to stagger timings
Stage IV – "Severe+" (adds to all above)
- Entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi stopped (trucks carrying essential goods and CNG/electric trucks exempt)
- Ban on linear public projects such as highways and flyovers
- Governments may move schools further online and allow 50% work-from-home for public and private offices
- States can consider additional emergency measures, including closing colleges and non-essential commercial activity
The exact list is revised by CAQM from time to time, so always check the latest order on caqm.nic.in. The lists above summarise the broad structure of the revised GRAP schedule.
Who decides, and how
The CAQM was set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. A sub-committee on GRAP meets regularly, reviews CPCB's daily AQI bulletin (released at 4 pm) and forecasts, and issues orders. Implementing agencies — municipal bodies, transport departments, pollution control boards and police — carry them out.
Stages are also revoked when the air improves. For example, CAQM revoked Stage II in February 2026 when AQI recovered to around 212, keeping Stage I measures in place.
Why the air gets so bad in October–November
- Weather: cooler air and low wind speeds trap pollutants near the ground (a temperature inversion).
- Crop-residue burning in Punjab and Haryana adds smoke, especially in late October and early November.
- Local sources run all year: vehicles, road dust, construction, industry and waste burning.
- Festival emissions around Diwali add a short, sharp spike.
Studies differ on the exact share of each source on a given day; the mix changes with the wind.
What it means for you
- Parents: watch for school-mode changes from state education departments once Stage III or IV is imposed.
- Car owners: check your vehicle's emission standard and keep a valid PUC certificate. Older BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars face restrictions at higher stages.
- Builders and contractors: register sites on the dust-control portal and expect inspections.
- Everyone: on Severe days, limit strenuous outdoor exercise, especially early morning; consider an N95 or N99 mask outdoors; keep windows shut during peak hours.
People with asthma, heart or lung conditions, elderly people, pregnant women and children are most at risk. Anyone with breathing difficulty should consult a doctor.
How to check the current GRAP stage
- CAQM website: caqm.nic.in – orders and press releases
- CPCB: daily AQI bulletin at 4 pm
- SAMEER app: real-time AQI by station
- Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC): local station data
Frequently asked questions
Is GRAP only for Delhi?
It covers Delhi and the NCR districts in Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.
Do GRAP stages apply automatically when AQI crosses a number?
No. CAQM issues an order. It can act in advance based on forecasts or hold off if a spike is expected to be brief.
Are firecrackers part of GRAP?
Firecracker rules come from court orders and state government notifications, separate from GRAP. Delhi has had a ban or strict limits in recent years.
What's the difference between AQI 'Severe' and 'Severe+'?
'Severe' is AQI 401–450 (Stage III). 'Severe+' is above 450 (Stage IV), the most restrictive tier.
Conclusion
GRAP is a ladder, not a cure. It limits the worst short-term spikes, while the long-term fix depends on cleaner transport, managing crop residue, controlling dust and phasing out polluting fuels. Over the next few weeks, check the CAQM order before planning construction work, long drives or outdoor events in the NCR.
Sources
- Commission for Air Quality Management – GRAP schedule and orders (caqm.nic.in)
- Central Pollution Control Board – National AQI and daily bulletin (cpcb.nic.in)
- Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (indiacode.nic.in)
- All India Radio News – "CAQM revokes GRAP Stage II in Delhi-NCR as AQI improves" (newsonair.gov.in, February 2026)
- India Meteorological Department / IITM – Air quality early warning system for Delhi
