Following the significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to revoke Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a thick layer of fog on Saturday morning, reducing visibility and disrupting traffic movement. The Indian Meteorological Department recorded the minimum temperature at 10 degree Celsius and the maximum at 18 degree Celsius with partly cloudy skies forecast for Saturday.
Amid the cold wave, Delhi’s air quality has shown significant improvement. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 248 at 7 am. Following this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to revoke Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The decision came after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed data on January 17. The order reads, “AQI of Delhi has been continuously improving and has been recorded as ‘Very Poor’ on 17.01.2025, which is about 61 AQI points below the benchmark as directed for by the Hon’ble Supreme Court for invoking Stage-III.”
The order emphasized the importance of adhering to the citizen charter and remaining vigilant, particularly during winter when meteorological conditions can quickly reverse the air quality trends. “Construction and demolition sites that were issued closure orders for violations cannot resume operations without explicit permission,” the official order stated.
Air quality measures were initially tightened on January 15 when Delhi’s AQI breached the 350 mark. Stage-III restrictions were introduced as a precautionary measure, following Supreme Court directions, to prevent AQI levels from rising above 400. The CAQM had urged citizens to actively engage in pollution control through responsible practices. The Sub-Committee will continue monitoring air quality and weather forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology for any necessary adjustments.
CAQM had earlier announced the withdrawal of Stage-IV measures under GRAP for Delhi and the National Capital Region following a marked improvement in air quality. “The Sub-Committee decides to revoke with immediate effect its orders dated 15.01.2025, for invoking actions under Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of extant Schedule of GRAP,” CAQM added.
(with inputs from agencies)
