Stage-I GRAP measures enforced across NCR as Delhi AQI remains 'poor'

ANI May 17, 2025 207 views

Delhi's air quality has dropped sharply, prompting the CAQM to enforce Stage-I GRAP measures across NCR. Strong winds carrying dust have pushed the AQI to 278, with forecasts predicting continued poor conditions. The AAP has accused BJP governments of failing to curb pollution, sparking a political spat. Meanwhile, experts warn that episodic dust storms could keep air quality in the 'Poor' range for days.

"Air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of the year." – Arvind Kejriwal
New Delhi, May 16: In response to a sudden spike in air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage-I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday.

Key Points

1

CAQM enforces GRAP Stage-I due to poor AQI in Delhi

2

Dust storms worsen air quality to 278

3

IMD predicts continued poor AQI

4

AAP-BJP clash over pollution blame

The decision was a comprehensive review by the CAQM Sub-Committee, which convened on May 16 at 4:00 PM. The committee assessed the persistent poor air quality conditions in Delhi, due to long-range dust transport triggered by strong winds which has been considered episodic in nature.

On May 15, the AQI had deteriorated sharply due to the wind activity.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 278 on May 16, within the 'Poor' category. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have predicted that the AQI will remain in the lower end of the 'Poor' range on May 17 as well.

Given these circumstances, the Sub-Committee has decided to implement Stage-I actions under GRAP.

Meanwhile, a political row erupted over the worsened air quality with AAP attacking the BJP government, saying that its election promises of clean air collapsed in just three months.

The official handle of the Aam Aadmi Party posted on 'X': "In the month of May itself, Delhi-NCR was covered in a blanket of pollution. In the month of May itself, AQI has crossed 500 in many areas of Delhi-NCR, and dust and poisonous air are spread in the air. This has never happened before. There are BJP governments in Delhi and all the surrounding states, but no BJP government is doing any work to reduce pollution.

"Sharing a news report on the alarming AQI levels, AAP national Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to the social media platform 'X' and wrote, "Air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of the year."

Also, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hit out at former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi after the latter alleged that the AQI had reached 500 on Thursday morning.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
GRAP measures are good but why wait till AQI crosses 250? Prevention is better than cure. Authorities should act when it's around 150 itself. Our children are breathing this air daily 😷
P
Priya M.
Instead of political blame games, all state governments need to work together. Pollution doesn't recognize state borders. NCR includes areas from 3 states - coordination is must!
A
Amit S.
The dust storms are natural phenomena, but our preparedness is lacking. Why don't we have proper green buffers around Delhi to filter this dust? Singapore manages it well despite being a city-state.
S
Sunita R.
As a Delhi resident, I'm tired of this annual drama. Last year stubble burning, this year dust storms - always some excuse. When will we get permanent solutions? My asthma can't take this anymore 💔
V
Vikram J.
The pollution forecasting by IMD/IITM is commendable. At least we get advance warnings now. But implementation of GRAP needs to be stricter - I still see many construction sites violating norms.
N
Neha T.
Political parties should stop using AQI as a weapon. Both AAP and BJP have failed Delhiites when it comes to long-term pollution control. We need scientific solutions, not political mudslinging.

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Tags:
Delhi pollution GRAP measures AQI CAQM Arvind Kejriwal AAP vs BJP