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Delhi Government Notifies Mandatory Winter Anti-Pollution Measures as GRAP III/IV Cover 1/3 of Winter Days

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
02 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:40 days per winter under GRAP 3/4PM2.5 240 µg/m³ Nov 202327 days GRAP IV in 2024-2514 days GRAP IV in 2025-2613 days GRAP IV in 2023-24
Bodies:CAQMDelhi GovernmentCEEW
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What This Article Covers

1.Delhi government notifies a mandatory winter action plan from November 1 to February 28, imposing measures like work from home, construction curbs, and vehicle restrictions regardless of daily AQI.

2.Analysis of last three winters shows ~40 days per season (one-third) were under GRAP 3 or 4, with GRAP 4 alone lasting up to 27 days in 2024-25.

3.CEEW report criticises GRAP as reactive and AQI-triggered, recommending a predictable, source-based, hyperlocal approach.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Delhi's new winter action plan makes anti-pollution measures like work from home, staggered timings, and construction curbs mandatory every winter (Nov 1–Feb 28) – not just during pollution spikes. This shift comes after analysis showed that one in three winter days over the last three seasons saw the strictest GRAP stages (3 and 4), causing severe economic disruptions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Winter Period CoveredNovember 1 – February 28
Days under GRAP 3/4 per winter~40 days (1/3 of season)
Highest GRAP IV days (2024-25)27 days
Key body involvedCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Report criticizing GRAPCouncil on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Winter Period Covered: November 1 – February 28
  • ›Days under GRAP 3/4 per winter: ~40 days (1/3 of season)
  • ›Target this Data: One in three winter days (40 out of 120) saw GRAP 3/4 in Delhi over last three seasons.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – responsible for GRAP enforcement.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: GRAP stages (I-IV) – especially the restrictions under Stage III (construction ban) and Stage IV (truck entry ban, hybrid schooling).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which statutory body is responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

1. GRAP Stage III bans most private construction and demolition activities.

2. GRAP Stage IV prohibits entry of all trucks into Delhi, including those carrying essential goods.

3. The CEEW report recommends a more predictable, source-based, hyperlocal approach instead of being purely AQI-triggered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, which winter season recorded the highest number of GRAP IV (Stage 4) days?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of Delhi's new winter action plan notified in July 2026?

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