Delhi witnessed a sudden increase in air pollution levels on May 15, 2025, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 278, falling into the ‘Poor’ category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented a 27-point action plan under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
The rise in pollution has been attributed to strong surface winds carrying dust from distant regions, leading to urgent measures to prevent further environmental deterioration.
The CAQM’s Sub-Committee met on May 15, 2025 and again reviewed the situation on May 16 after forecasts indicated no significant improvement. As a preventive step to avoid further deterioration, it has invoked Stage-I measures with immediate effect across the entire NCR. These steps are aimed at controlling dust pollution, improving waste management, and reducing vehicular and industrial emissions.
Citizens have been urged to actively participate by following the GRAP’s Citizen Charter. This includes using properly maintained vehicles, avoiding open waste burning, reporting pollution via apps like Green Delhi and SAMEER, and adopting eco-friendly practices. Authorities have also advised against using outdated vehicles and encouraged the use of electric or hybrid alternatives.
The 27-point action plan includes measures at construction sites, stricter regulations for waste disposal, increased use of anti-smog guns, regular mechanized road cleaning, and tighter monitoring of industrial emissions. The plan mandates that only approved fuels are to be used in industries and eateries, and diesel generators should not be used for regular power supply. Meanwhile, firecracker bans remain in place and power cuts are to be minimized to avoid reliance on diesel generators.
Traffic police have been instructed to ensure smoother traffic flow, and enforcement agencies have been directed to take prompt legal action against violations. Electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) have been told to minimize power outages, and public offices are encouraged to promote carpooling among employees.
The CAQM will continuously monitor the situation and adjust actions based on daily updates and weather forecasts to ensure NCR’s air quality does not worsen.
