CAQM Clarifies: Stage 4 of GRAP Not Implemented, Only Stage 3 Active in Delhi-NCR

Amid growing concerns over Delhi’s air quality , the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a strong clarification on Tuesday, dismissing widespread rumours that Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) had been enforced in the National Capital Region ( NCR ). The Commission stated that only Stage 3 measures remain in force, and no escalation of restrictions has been made.

The clarification came after several social media posts and news reports falsely claimed that the government had implemented the final and most severe phase of anti-pollution measures — leading to public confusion and panic among residents and commuters.

CAQM’s Official Clarification — “Reports Are False and Misleading”

In its official statement, the CAQM categorically rejected all reports suggesting that Stage 4 of GRAP had been activated.

“Reports suggesting the implementation of Stage 4 of GRAP are absolutely false and misleading. Only GRAP Stage 3 remains in effect for the entire NCR,” the Commission stated.

The regulatory body reiterated that no change has been made to the existing status of the pollution control measures and urged citizens to rely solely on official notifications and press releases issued by the Commission.

Official Warning Against Misinformation

The CAQM also issued a stern warning to digital media platforms and TV channels that had circulated the incorrect information. It noted that false claims about Stage 4 restrictions had led to unnecessary confusion and alarm among the public.

“Spreading unverified or inaccurate information on such sensitive matters can mislead citizens and disrupt compliance efforts,” the Commission said.

CAQM further emphasised that any decision regarding the enforcement of future GRAP stages will be officially communicated through the Commission’s verified channels only.

Importance of Relying on Verified Sources

The body appealed to citizens, journalists, and enforcement departments to check only authentic government portals before reacting to or sharing updates related to Delhi’s pollution control measures.

According to CAQM, the spread of misinformation has the potential to create uncertainty among both residents and officials, thereby undermining pollution management protocols already in place.

“Only the Commission for Air Quality Management is authorised to announce new stages or alterations in GRAP enforcement,” the statement reiterated.

Background — What Is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a multi-stage air pollution management framework enforced in the Delhi-NCR region to curb hazardous air pollution levels. It includes four progressive stages, each triggered by specific Air Quality Index ( AQI ) thresholds:

• Stage 1 (Poor AQI 201–300): Basic pollution control measures such as mechanical road sweeping and dust suppression.
  
  
• Stage 2 (Very Poor AQI 301–400): Ban on diesel generator sets and restrictions on construction dust.
  
  
• Stage 3 (Severe AQI 401–450): Suspension of construction work, vehicle restrictions, and closure of polluting industries.
  
  
• Stage 4 (Severe+ AQI >450): Complete ban on entry of trucks into Delhi, halt of non-emergency commercial activities, and closure of schools and offices.
  
  

Currently, Stage 3 remains in effect across Delhi-NCR.

Existing Restrictions Under GRAP Stage 3

Stage 3 of the plan was enforced on November 11, after Delhi’s air quality dipped into the Severe category, with AQI readings exceeding 450 in several areas. The following measures are active:

1. Construction and Demolition Ban

All construction and demolition activities in the NCR — including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram — have been halted.
Exceptions include essential public projects such as metro lines, hospitals, and flyover works.

2. Vehicle Restrictions

The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been banned in Delhi-NCR to curb vehicular emissions. Enforcement teams have been directed to penalise any violations strictly.

3. Industrial Curbs

Operations of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and stone crushers have been stopped until further orders, as they are known to generate heavy dust and particulate matter.

4. Ban on Demolition Work

An overall ban on building demolition has been imposed to reduce the spread of airborne dust particles in residential and commercial zones.

Why Stage 4 Rumours Spread

The confusion appears to have stemmed from social media speculation after Delhi’s AQI breached the Severe+ category in select localities. Some digital platforms prematurely assumed that the next phase of restrictions would automatically come into effect.

However, CAQM clarified that activation of Stage 4 is a deliberate policy decision — not an automatic escalation. It is implemented only after comprehensive assessment of air quality trends, meteorological data, and consultation with NCR state authorities.

The Broader Impact of False Information

CAQM highlighted that false reporting can lead to panic-buying, unnecessary travel cancellations, and miscommunication among enforcement agencies.
Such misinformation also disrupts public preparedness, especially among commuters, construction workers, and businesses affected by GRAP-related restrictions.

The Commission has urged all media outlets to verify facts before publication and ensure responsible reporting on issues concerning public safety and environmental management.

Delhi’s Current Air Quality — Still in the “Severe” Zone

As of Tuesday morning, Delhi’s AQI continued to hover in the Severe category, with PM2.5 levels several times higher than the permissible limit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a slight improvement in air quality over the next 48 hours due to stronger surface winds and reduced stubble burning activity in Punjab and Haryana.

Meanwhile, residents continue to experience poor visibility, eye irritation, and respiratory discomfort, prompting authorities to maintain stringent enforcement under Stage 3.