The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the status of air pollution control measures in Delhi–NCR and formally ratified the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) during its 26th full Commission meeting held on 22 December 2025. The meeting was chaired by CAQM Chairman Shri Rajesh Verma.
A key decision taken at the meeting was the adoption of the Commission’s Annual Report and Audited Accounts for 2024–25, along with the separate audit report and associated actionable recommendations. The Commission also ratified the revised GRAP framework, updated on 21 November 2025 in compliance with directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The revised framework ensures that measures under higher GRAP stages automatically subsume actions prescribed under earlier stages.
During the review, CAQM assessed the implementation of GRAP during the current winter pollution season, including steps taken under various stages such as ensuring uninterrupted power supply, traffic decongestion, public advisories, and augmentation of public transport services. Additional measures under GRAP Stages I and II were also deliberated to strengthen on-ground enforcement.
The Commission ratified an Office Order dated 10 December 2025 for the constitution of an Expert Committee on vehicular emission-related air pollution, chaired by Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras. The committee will focus on emission assessment, health impacts, clean mobility strategies, electric vehicle readiness, and regulatory interventions.
CAQM also discussed amendments to Direction No. 94 (dated 3 June 2025) aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles by motor vehicle aggregators, delivery service providers, and e-commerce entities. While restrictions on induction of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles will apply from 1 January 2026, transitional provisions have been proposed to allow induction of BS-VI petrol two-wheelers in existing fleets until 31 December 2026.
Reviewing the status of paddy stubble burning during 2025, the Commission noted an estimated 92 percent reduction in incidents across NCR compared to 2021, attributed to integrated monitoring and enforcement efforts. States including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were directed to prepare action plans for monitoring wheat residue burning during the 2026 harvesting season, based on which statutory directions will be issued.
The Commission expressed concern over construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, identifying construction dust as a major contributor to PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ levels in Delhi–NCR. Municipal bodies and development authorities were directed to strengthen supervision, establish collection and processing facilities, and verify waste disposal mechanisms before granting construction permissions.
The issue of end-of-life vehicles was also reviewed in light of recent Supreme Court orders. Protection against coercive action will continue for BS-IV and later vehicles, while enforcement action against BS-III and older vehicles will resume, with agencies instructed to ensure strict compliance.
Reiterating the need for coordinated enforcement, CAQM emphasized sustained vigilance and effective implementation of statutory directions across all sectors, particularly during the winter months, to mitigate air pollution in the region.
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