Anti-pollution curbs under GRAP-1 imposed in Delhi as AQI turns poor in May
The CAQM said that the region's air quality index (AQI) is expected to remain in the poor category in the 'coming days.' GRAP-1 measures include a ban on the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, and restricted use of diesel generators, allowed only in emergency or essential situations.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday, May 19, invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as the region's air quality index (AQI) entered the 'poor' category.
The central pollution watchdog said that the decision was taken after Delhi recorded an AQI of 208.
"The AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend and recorded as 208 ('Poor' Category) today i.e. on 19.05.2026. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM indicates AQI to remain in 'Poor' category in coming days," the CAQM said in its order.
As a result, the Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to "invoke all actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality| of the extant GRAI' in the entire NCR, with immediate effect," it added.
The CAQM, in its order, directed that anti-pollution measures and restrictions under GRAP-1 shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the concerned agencies across the NCR (National Capital Region) to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further.
"All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I," it added.
GRAP-1 measures include a ban on the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, and restricted use of diesel generators, allowed only in emergency or essential situations.
The latest deterioration in NCR's air quality coincided with temperatures soaring beyond 45 degrees in various parts of Delhi, according to data cited by the IMD (India Meteorological Department) from all major weather stations in the national capital.
The extreme spike in temperature made it the hottest May day recorded in the national capital in the last two years.
AQI AND GRAP STAGES
As per the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
GRAP has four stages, each linked to the AQI at the time. GRAP-1, kicks in when the AQI is in the 'poor' category; GRAP-2 when the AQI is "very poor"; GRAP-3 is imposed in the event air quality falls to the 'severe' range; lastly, GRAP-4 is invoked when the AQI rises above 450.