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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region with immediate effect after Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index rose to 208, entering the ‘Poor’ category.

The decision was taken by the CAQM Sub Committee on GRAP following a review of air quality conditions and forecasts by IMD and IITM, which indicated that pollution levels are likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ category over the coming days.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s daily AQI bulletin, Delhi recorded an AQI of 208 on May 19, 2026.

Under Stage I of GRAP, authorities across Delhi NCR have been directed to implement a 31 point action plan aimed at controlling dust, vehicular emissions, waste burning and industrial pollution.

The measures include strict dust mitigation norms at construction and demolition sites, mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling, intensified anti smog gun deployment, stricter checks on visibly polluting vehicles and enforcement against open waste burning.

Authorities have also been directed to ensure smooth traffic flow, enforce pollution under control norms, prevent illegal industrial emissions and discourage the use of diesel generator sets as a regular power source.

CAQM further advised citizens to minimise polluting activities, maintain vehicle emission compliance, avoid idling engines and use public transport or electric vehicles where possible.

The commission said it will continue monitoring the air quality situation closely and review further actions depending on pollution levels and weather forecasts.