For Prelims: Air Quality Index (AQI), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Nodal Body, Delhi AQI on 6 Nov 2026, Current Context
For Mains: GRAP, AQI, CAQM, graded response, airshed management, stubble burning, meteorological inversion
Source:
PIB
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- GRAP Stage-III was invoked in Delhi-NCR on 6 November 2026.
- Delhi's AQI on 6 November 2026 was 382 (Very Poor category).
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP.
- GRAP has multiple stages that are activated based on AQI levels combined with meteorological forecasts and trigger conditions defined in the GRAP order. AQI category labels are: Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–500).
- Stage-III measures include a ban on non-essential construction and stricter vehicle curbs.
Why in the news?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect after Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 382 ('Very Poor'), with forecasts of slipping into 'Severe' category. All Stage-I, II and III measures must now be strictly enforced by NCR state pollution control boards.
Summary
- Measures under Stage-III include stricter curbs on construction, industrial emissions, and vehicle movement, plus citizen advisories like using public transport and avoiding coal/wood burning.
- All agencies including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR states and DPCC must ensure simultaneous implementation of Stage-I, II and III actions.
Highlights
AQI Crosses 382, Very Poor
Delhi's daily average AQI reached 382 on 6 November 2026, prompting the CAQM to activate Stage-III of GRAP to prevent further deterioration.
Stage-III Actions Enforced
All Stage-I, II and III measures, including stricter curbs on construction, industrial emissions, and vehicle movement, must be strictly implemented by NCR agencies.
Citizen Charter Advisories
Citizens are urged to walk/cycle, use cleaner transport, avoid coal/wood burning, and follow hybrid work/school modes as per Stage-III guidelines.
Background
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to address severe air pollution. Standard AQI categories are: Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderate (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–500). Activation of GRAP stages is based on specific trigger conditions in the CAQM/GRAP order, which consider pollutant levels and meteorological forecasts rather than the fixed Stage-to-AQI-band mapping stated here.
Key Analysis and Impact
The invocation of Stage-III indicates a serious air quality crisis. Delhi's AQI of 382 falls in the 'Very Poor' category, but the forecast of slipping into 'Severe' (above 400) triggered preemptive action. Stage-III measures typically include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition, closure of stone crushers, intensified road sweeping, and restrictions on the entry of trucks into Delhi. The simultaneous enforcement of all three stages ensures a layered response.
Way Forward
The CAQM will continue to monitor the situation and may escalate to Stage-IV if AQI breaches 450. Long-term solutions require sustained efforts: stubble management in neighbouring states, stricter industrial emission norms, promotion of electric vehicles, and enhanced public transport infrastructure. Citizens' cooperation through the Citizen Charter is also crucial for immediate relief.
GRAP Stages and AQI Thresholds
| Stage | AQI Range | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Stage-I | 201-300 | Poor |
| Stage-II | 301-400 | Very Poor |
| Stage-IV | Above 450 | Severe+ |
Delhi connection
Matters for these Delhi exams:DSSSB 7/10
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- An index for reporting daily air quality. It tells how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be a concern. AQI categories: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-500).
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- A set of emergency measures implemented by the CAQM in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution. It is graded into four stages based on AQI levels, with each stage having specific actions to be taken by various agencies.
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- A statutory body established by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. It coordinates and oversees actions to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Nodal Body: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Legal Point: Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may swap AQI thresholds between stages: Stage-II (301-400) vs Stage-III (401-450) vs Stage-IV (above 450). Also, they may confuse CAQM with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – CAQM is the nodal body for GRAP, while CPCB provides AQI data.
Write these in mains answers
- GRAP, AQI, CAQM, graded response, airshed management, stubble burning, meteorological inversion
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how polluted the air is. When Delhi's AQI reached 382 on 6 November 2026, which is 'Very Poor', the CAQM activated Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan. This means stricter rules like banning non-essential construction and limiting truck entry, to stop the air from becoming even worse.
- GRAP Stage-III was invoked in Delhi-NCR on 6 November 2026.
- Delhi's AQI on 6 November 2026 was 382 (Very Poor category).
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP.
- GRAP has multiple stages that are activated based on AQI levels combined with meteorological forecasts and trigger conditions defined in the GRAP order. AQI category labels are: Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–500).
- Stage-III measures include a ban on non-essential construction and stricter vehicle curbs.
- Environment: Air pollution and its control
- Governance: Environmental governance and regulatory bodies
Related concepts: Air Quality Index (AQI), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which statutory body is responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR?
Explanation: The CAQM, established under the CAQM Act 2021, is the nodal body for implementing GRAP in Delhi-NCR. CPCB provides AQI data, DPCC is a state-level body, and the Ministry is the parent ministry, but CAQM is the implementing authority.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
- 1.Stage-III of GRAP is invoked when the daily average AQI crosses the 350 mark and is expected to worsen.
- 2.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the implementing authority for GRAP in Delhi-NCR.
- 3.Citizen advisories under Stage-III include avoiding the use of coal and wood for heating purposes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct: citizen advisories under Stage-III include avoiding coal and wood for heating. Statement 2 is incorrect: the implementing authority is CAQM, not CPCB.
- Q3Medium
What was the daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in Delhi on 6 November 2026 that led to the invocation of GRAP Stage-III?
Explanation: Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 382 on 6 November 2026; 382 falls in the 'Very Poor' category (301–400).
- Q4Medium
What is the primary objective of invoking Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR?
Explanation: GRAP is a graded emergency response. Stage-III aims to preemptively curb emissions through stricter controls on construction, industry, and vehicles to stop AQI from slipping into the 'Severe' category. Permanent bans or complete shutdowns are not the objective; measures are temporary and graded.
Frequently asked questions
1. What was the AQI in Delhi on 6 November 2026 that triggered Stage-III?
Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 382 on 6 November 2026, which falls in the 'Very Poor' category.
2. Which body is responsible for implementing GRAP in Delhi-NCR?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), established under the CAQM Act 2021, is the nodal body responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR.
3. What actions are citizens advised to take under GRAP Stage-III?
Citizens are advised to walk or cycle for short distances, use cleaner transport, avoid using coal and wood for heating, and follow hybrid work/school modes when instructed.
All sources
- Original6 November 2026 · Read story
