CAQM Sub-Committee Revokes Stage-I GRAP Restrictions in NCR as Delhi AQI Improves to 179 (Moderate)

On May 18, 2025, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-I of the GRAP schedule across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. This decision followed a significant improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 179 in the Moderate category, driven by favorable weather conditions and proactive measures to curb air pollution. 

Factors Behind AQI Improvement

 The CAQM Sub-Committee reviewed Delhi’s air quality on May 18, 2025, noting that strong surface winds, thunderstorms, and light rains contributed to the AQI dropping to 179. Forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Delhi’s air quality would remain in the Moderate category in the coming days, prompting the revocation of GRAP Stage-I, which had been in place since May 16, 2025. 

Sustaining Air Quality Gains

 Despite revoking Stage-I, the CAQM urged agencies in NCR State Governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to maintain strict compliance with statutory directions and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and State Pollution Control Boards. These measures aim to prevent the AQI from slipping back into the Poor category and ensure sustained air quality improvements. 

Focus on Dust Mitigation

 The CAQM emphasized the importance of implementing dust mitigation measures as outlined in its comprehensive policy to curb air pollution in the NCR. Agencies were directed to adhere to targeted timelines for actions across sectors like construction, transport, and industry to control particulate matter and other pollutants effectively.

Parameter	Details
AQI on May 18, 2025	179 (Moderate)
GRAP Stage-I Start Date	May 16, 2025
Revocation Date	May 18, 2025

Ongoing Monitoring and Future Actions

 

The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to monitor Delhi’s air quality closely, relying on IMD/IITM forecasts to make informed decisions. If the AQI deteriorates, the committee is prepared to reinstate GRAP measures to protect public health and maintain environmental standards in the NCR. 

Key Highlights of the Event

• Stage-I of GRAP revoked in NCR on May 18, 2025, due to improved air quality.
• Delhi’s AQI recorded at 179 (Moderate) on May 18, 2025, driven by winds and rains.
• IMD/IITM forecasts predict Moderate air quality in the coming days.
• CAQM stressed dust mitigation and compliance with pollution control guidelines.
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure AQI does not slip into Poor category.