The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday lifted measures under Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR due to a slight improvement in AQI levels.
However, the measures under stages – I, II and III – will remain in place to control pollution levels.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the sub-committee on GRAP after it noted an improvement in AQI levels in Delhi.
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“Due to favorable meteorological conditions and increase in wind speed, AQI in Delhi showed improvement and today i.e. 20/01/2026 was recorded as 378 (“Very Poor”). The IMD/IITM forecast further indicates that AQI in Delhi will remain within this range for the coming days. Therefore, the Sub-Committee decided to withdraw its 17.01.2026 for invoking action under IV with immediate effect. stages (category ‘Severe+’, AQI >450) of the existing GRAP plan,” CAQM said.
The agency said that while GRAP Stage-IV is cancelled, in view of the winter season when weather conditions may not always be favorable and to ensure that AQI levels do not fall further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the civic charter under GRAP Stage-I, II and III.
He also directed all the implementing agencies to keep a strict vigil and especially to intensify measures under Phase I, II and III of the existing GRAP.
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What is not allowed?
— Under Stage III, grades up to 5 are required to transition to hybrid mode. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
— Authorities to enforce strict restrictions on categories of dust/air pollution caused by construction and demolition activities throughout NCR.
Activities include
— Earthworks for excavation and backfilling works, including drilling and drilling works.
— All demolition work.
— Laying of sewage, water, sewage and electrical lines, etc., through a system of open trenches.
— Masonry work.
— Painting, polishing and painting work, etc.
— Cement, plaster or other coatings, except minor internal repairs/maintenance.
— Cutting/sanding and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials, except minor interior repairs or maintenance.
— Construction activity and major road repairs.
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— Carriage, loading or unloading of dust generating materials such as cement, fly ash, bricks, sand, murram, pebbles, crushed stone etc. anywhere on or off the project site.
— Movement of vehicles transporting construction material on unpaved roads
— Use of petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt from this rule.
— Tier III also prohibits non-essential medium duty diesel vehicles of BS-IV or earlier standards in Delhi.
— In Phase III, NCR / GNCTD State Governments can take a decision whether to allow public, municipal and private offices to work 50% and the rest to work from home.
AQI levels
Phase I: Poor (AQI 201-300)
Phase II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450)
Stage IV: Severe plus (AQI over 450)
