Delhi-NCR air pollution: CAQM shuts down GRAP-4 rumours, says ‘at present…’

Delhi’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has clarified that Stage-IV of GRAP is not in effect, debunking false reports circulating on social media and news platforms. Currently, Stage-3 measures remain active across the NCR.

Written by Shubham Chhabra

November 18, 2025 15:11 IST

Delhi pollution: Skyline shrouded in smog as authorities clarify GRAP-4 status, with Stage-3 measures still in force.

CAQM has clarified that Stage-IV of GRAP is not in effect, debunking false reports circulating on social media and news platforms. Currently, Stage-3 measures remain active across the NCR.

Social media platforms and Google witnessed a sudden spike in searches related to Delhi’s GRAP status on Tuesday, as several posts and speculative reports claimed that the city had moved to Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following rising pollution levels. The chatter online triggered concerns among commuters, parents and businesses about the possibility of blanket restrictions being imposed.

CAQM Clarifies No GRAP-4 in Force

Amid the confusion, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a formal clarification, dismissing the claims as incorrect.

“It has come to the notice of the Commission that certain news channels and digital media platforms are circulating misleading information regarding the invocation of Stage-IV of GRAP, which is false,” the CAQM said in a circular.

The Commission further urged residents to rely only on verified updates issued by the authority.

“At present, Stage-3 of the extant GRAP is in force across the entire NCR. Stakeholders and the public are advised to rely only on Official Updates/ Press Releases issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM),” the CAQM note added.

What GRAP-4 Restrictions Mean

While Stage-IV has not been implemented, it is considered the most severe category of curbs under Delhi’s pollution-control framework. Under this stage, entry of trucks — except those carrying essential goods — into the capital is prohibited. Diesel and petrol commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are barred, while construction and demolition activities halt entirely.

Should air quality deteriorate to emergency levels, authorities across NCR are also empowered to suspend physical classes for schools and colleges, enforce 50% attendance in both private and government offices, shut non-essential commercial establishments, and consider emergency measures such as the odd-even road rotation for vehicles.