Air quality rules tightened in Delhi-NCR as key restrictions shift to earlier stages
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a revised and more stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, shifting several curbs to earlier stages to prevent any further deterioration of air quality in the region. The updated schedule, finalised on November 21, 2025, follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, scientific data analysis and expert recommendations.
GRAP, the emergency response framework triggered according to Delhi’s daily average AQI and forecast meteorological conditions, coordinates multiple agencies across NCR to tackle episodes of worsening pollution.
Delhi | The following measures for the 'Poor', 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' AQI categories, currently under GRAP Stage IV to be taken under GRAP Stage III, including the following:
1. NCR State Governments/GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices… pic.twitter.com/QcA9xqTox6— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2025
Key amendments in revised GRAP
Measures shifted from Stage II to Stage I (‘Poor’ AQI: 201–300):
- Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to discourage generator use.
- Traffic synchronisation and deployment of extra personnel to ease congestion.
- Public alerts through media on pollution levels and precautions.
- Enhanced public transport: more CNG/electric buses, higher metro frequency and differential fare incentives for off-peak travel.
Measures shifted from Stage III to Stage II (‘Very Poor’ AQI: 301–400):
- Staggered office timings for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar; other NCR districts may follow suit.
- Central government to decide on staggered timings for its offices in Delhi-NCR.
Measures shifted from Stage IV to Stage III (‘Severe’ AQI: 401–450):
- NCR governments may instruct public, municipal and private offices to operate with 50% staff on-site, with the rest working from home.
- Centre may permit work-from-home for Central government staff in Delhi-NCR.
CAQM has directed all implementing agencies to enforce the revised GRAP measures immediately. The complete schedule is available on the Commission’s website https://caqm.nic.in.