GRAP Stage-I revoked across NCR as AQI improves
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
CAQM’s GRAP sub-committee revoked all Stage-I actions across NCR on 4 May 2026. Delhi’s average AQI fell from 175 on 3 May to 88 on 4 May after rain, and IMD/IITM forecast “Satisfactory” to “Moderate” air. Stage-I had been invoked on 16 April 2026. Standing CAQM directions still apply.
- Decision
- All Stage-I GRAP actions revoked in entire NCR, 4 May 2026
- Who decided
- CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP (unanimous)
- Stage-I invoked
- Order dated 16 April 2026
- Delhi AQI
- 175 on 3 May → 88 on 4 May (CPCB bulletin)
- Reason
- Rain, favourable weather; IMD/IITM forecast Satisfactory–Moderate
- Law
- CAQM Act, 2021
GRAP Stage-I in NCR: what happened?
GRAP is switched on and off by stage as Delhi’s air worsens or improves. Rain on 3–4 May cleaned the air, so the mildest stage was lifted. Lifting a stage does not lift the Commission’s standing rules.
- Delhi’s AQI improved from 175 to 88 in a day, owing to rain and favourable weather.
- All NCR agencies must still follow CAQM statutory directions, advisories and orders.
- Dust mitigation measures under CAQM’s comprehensive policy are flagged for continued field action.
- The Sub-Committee will keep watching air quality and the IMD/IITM forecasts.
What are the four GRAP stages?
| Stage | Air quality | Delhi AQI |
|---|---|---|
| Stage-I | Poor | 201–300 |
| Stage-II | Very Poor | 301–400 |
| Stage-III | Severe | 401–450 |
| Stage-IV | Severe+ | above 450 |
What is CAQM?
- The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas. It works under the CAQM Act, 2021.
- Its GRAP Sub-Committee invokes and revokes the stages.
Why does GRAP Stage-I in NCR matter?
- Environment: Shows GRAP is a response tool tied to AQI, not a permanent ban.
- Governance: Standing rules continue even when a stage is lifted.
What can Prelims ask on GRAP Stage-I in NCR?
- GRAP Stage-I = Poor (Delhi AQI 201–300); Stage-IV = Severe+ (above 450).
- GRAP is run by CAQM’s Sub-Committee; CAQM Act, 2021.
- AQI bulletin comes from CPCB; forecasts from IMD/IITM.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-05-04): CAQM's GRAP sub-committee revoked Stage-I actions across NCR as Delhi's AQI improved and forecasts showed "Satisfactory" to "Moderate" air.
- Pollution control is graded and triggered by forecasts, so action starts before the air turns bad.
Quotable data pointCAQM's GRAP sub-committee revoked Stage-I actions across NCR as Delhi's AQI improved and forecasts showed "Satisfactory" to "Moderate" air.
PIB: MoEFCC: GRAP Stage-I revoked, 4 May 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: GRAP stages, CAQM.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Under GRAP, which stage corresponds to 'Severe+' air quality in Delhi?
Answer (d) & explanation
CAQM: Stage-IV is 'Severe+' (Delhi AQI above 450).
With reference to CAQM, consider the following statements:
1. It works under an Act passed in 2021.
2. The AQI bulletin used for GRAP decisions is issued by CPCB.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer (c) & explanation
CAQM Act, 2021 (PIB); the 4 May 2026 release cites the CPCB AQI Bulletin.
Questions students ask about this
Why was GRAP Stage-I revoked in May 2026?
Rain improved the air. Delhi's AQI fell from 175 on 3 May to 88 on 4 May, and forecasts showed Satisfactory to Moderate air.
Who invokes and revokes GRAP stages?
The Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
What AQI range is Stage-I of GRAP?
Stage-I covers 'Poor' air, a Delhi AQI of 201 to 300.
Do CAQM rules stop when GRAP is lifted?
No. Its statutory directions, advisories and orders, including dust control, still apply.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: MoEFCC: GRAP Stage-I revoked, 4 May 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending