Delhi Air Quality Improves: GRAP Stage-3 Restrictions Lifted as AQI Remains in Very Poor Category

Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded at 327 as authorities respond to changing pollution levels.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Wednesday the removal of Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, following noticeable improvement in air quality over the past three days.

Despite the improvement, forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that Delhi's air quality will remain in the "very poor" category in the coming days.

The CAQM has emphasized that Stage-1 and Stage-2 measures from the modified GRAP, which was notified on November 21, will continue to be enforced and closely monitored throughout the National Capital Region to prevent deterioration of air quality conditions.

According to the official order issued by CAQM, the Sub-Committee reviewed the current air quality situation and acknowledged recent improvements, leading to the withdrawal of the Stage-3 measures that had been implemented on November 11.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that GRAP Stage-2 protocols will now be applicable across the city.

With Stage-3 restrictions lifted, the previously mandated 50 percent work-from-home requirement for offices has been discontinued. Similarly, schools are no longer required to operate in hybrid mode, as Sirsa announced on social media platform X.

The now-revoked Stage-3 restrictions had included prohibitions on non-essential construction and demolition activities, stone crushing operations, and mining activities throughout the region.

BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers had been restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar under the previous measures.

Stage-3 also involved banning older diesel commercial vehicles in Delhi and required schools up to Class 5 to shift to hybrid learning models, while offices were advised to operate with 50 percent staff capacity across Delhi-NCR.

The CAQM order clarified that construction and demolition sites previously closed due to violations will not be permitted to resume operations without specific authorization from the commission.

All implementing agencies have been directed by the CAQM to maintain strict vigilance and strengthen actions under the continuing Stage-1 and Stage-2 protocols.

During winter months, Delhi-NCR implements a graduated system of restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages: Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

The hazardous air quality levels experienced in Delhi-NCR during winter result from a combination of unfavorable meteorological conditions, vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning in neighboring states, fireworks, and various local pollution sources.