GRAP Stage-I revoked in the entire NCR, with immediate effect, in view of improvement in AQI of Delhi

📌 Summary:

• CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously revoked all Stage-I actions in entire NCR with immediate effect on May 4, 2026

• Delhi's 24-hour average AQI improved sharply from 175 ('Moderate') on May 3 to 88 ('Satisfactory') on May 4, driven by rainfall and favourable meteorological conditions (CPCB data)

• GRAP Stage-I had been originally invoked on April 16, 2026 when Delhi's AQI began showing an upward trend

• IMD/IITM forecasts indicate AQI likely to stay in 'Satisfactory' to 'Moderate' range in coming days

• All NCR state agencies directed to remain vigilant and voluntarily continue Stage-I actions to sustain improved air quality

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — ENVIRONEMENT AND BIODIVERSITY: Air quality governance, GRAP mechanism, role of CAQM; also GS2 (institutional framework — CPCB, NGT, CAQM)

📝 Prelims Facts:

• GRAP = Graded Response Action Plan; administered by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for NCR & Adjoining Areas

• GRAP stages: Stage-I (Poor: 201–300), Stage-II (Very Poor: 301–400), Stage-III (Severe: 401–450), Stage-IV (Severe+: >450)

• AQI categories: Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderate (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401+)

• CAQM was established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021

🔑 Key Term: GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) — A set of emergency measures for Delhi-NCR triggered in stages as AQI deteriorates; Stage-I activates when AQI enters 'Poor' category (>200).