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Delhi Pollution Control Shows 99% Gaps in GRAP Implementation: CAQM

The Commission for Air Quality Management has identified serious implementation gaps in Delhi-NCR's pollution control measures under GRAP Stages III and IV. The review showed inspection shortfalls for construction sites ranging from 84% to a staggering 99.6% across NCR states. Mechanical road sweeping and grievance redressal mechanisms were also found to be critically inadequate, with most public complaints going unresolved. The CAQM emphasized that these recurring failures during severe pollution episodes undermine collective efforts to improve air quality.

Key Points: CAQM Flags 99% Gaps in Delhi-NCR Pollution Control Measures

  • 99.6% shortfall in C&D site inspections in Haryana NCR
  • 87% average gap in Delhi inspections
  • Mechanical road sweeping 69% below mandate in Delhi & Haryana
  • Unresolved public complaints as high as 81%
  • Recurring failures compromise air pollution abatement
3 min read

CAQM reviews performance of Delhi Pollution Control Committee; flags serious deficiencies

CAQM review reveals severe deficiencies in GRAP Stage-III & IV, with inspection shortfalls up to 99.6% and poor grievance redressal across NCR states.

"serious deficiencies in the implementation of measures - Commission for Air Quality Management"

New Delhi, January 19

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has recorded "serious deficiencies" in the implementation of measures prescribed under Stage-III and Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, following a detailed review of performance reports submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and State Pollution Control Boards in the NCR.

According to the Commission, the GRAP Monitoring Control Room, set up to oversee daily compliance, has been continuously tracking actions taken by concerned agencies to curb air pollution. The review of implementation during the two most stringent stages of GRAP revealed wide gaps and persistent non-compliance across multiple parameters, with shortfalls ranging from 7 per cent to as high as 99.6 per cent in several mandated actions.

During Stage-III of the extant GRAP, as on January 2, 2025, inspections of construction and demolition sites measuring 500 square metres and above showed major deficiencies. Delhi recorded an average shortfall of 87 per cent, while Haryana (NCR) reported a gap of 99.6 per cent. Rajasthan (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh (NCR) also fell significantly short, with gaps of 84 per cent and 96 per cent, respectively, against prescribed inspection requirements.

The review further pointed to inadequate mechanical road sweeping. The length of roads mechanically swept remained far below mandated levels, with gaps of 69 per cent in Delhi and Haryana (NCR).

"Rajasthan (NCR) recorded a shortfall of 31 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh (NCR) marginally exceeded the requirement by 4 per cent. Deployment of mechanical road sweeping machines also remained insufficient, with an average gap of 59 per cent in Delhi and 13 per cent in Haryana (NCR), although Rajasthan (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh (NCR) exceeded prescribed norms," a release said.

Similar trends were observed during Stage-IV of GRAP, as on December 24, 2025. Inspections of construction and demolition sites remained critically low, with average gaps of 87 per cent in Delhi, 100 per cent in Haryana (NCR), 79 per cent in Rajasthan (NCR), and 97 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (NCR). Mechanical road sweeping also showed persistent inadequacies in Delhi and Haryana (NCR), while Rajasthan (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh (NCR) performed comparatively better.

The Commission also highlighted weak grievance redressal mechanisms. "During Stage-III, unresolved complaints ranged from 47 per cent to 71 per cent across NCR states. The situation worsened during Stage-IV, with unresolved complaints ranging between 68 per cent and 81 per cent in Delhi, Haryana (NCR), and Uttar Pradesh (NCR). Even isolated complaints in Rajasthan (NCR) remained unresolved," a release added.

CAQM also noted that such recurring gaps and failures in the implementation of actions under the extant GRAP, particularly during periods of 'Severe' and 'Severe+' air quality in the region, seriously compromise the collective efforts towards the abatement of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The Commission emphasised that strict and timely implementation of GRAP measuresis mandatory and binding.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The grievance redressal numbers are shocking. 81% complaints unresolved? What is the point of having a system if it doesn't work? As a parent, I'm constantly worried about my child's health. We need action, not just reports and reviews.
A
Aman W
While the criticism is valid, we also need to ask if the DPCC and state boards have enough manpower and resources? Enforcement is tough across such a large region. Maybe the solution needs better planning and support for these agencies, not just blaming them.
S
Sarah B
Living in Gurugram, the construction never stops. The report says Haryana NCR had 100% gap in inspections during Stage-IV. No wonder! The dust is unbearable. Authorities must penalize builders who don't follow norms. Our health is not a joke.
V
Vikram M
Year after year, same deficiencies. GRAP is a good plan on paper but implementation is a total failure. We need a centralised, tech-driven monitoring system with real-time transparency. Let citizens also see which sites are compliant and which are not.
K
Kavya N
It's heartbreaking. We talk about development, but at what cost? The air is toxic. Mechanical sweeping shortfall of 69% means more dust on roads. When will our lives and well-being become a priority? This needs a mission-mode approach, like a war on pollution.

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