In a significant decision today, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announced the revocation of Stage-III of the revised GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), effective immediately. This move follows a steady improvement in the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi, with the air quality steadily moving away from the hazardous levels it had reached in the past few days.

As of 5 PM today, Delhi’s average AQI had improved to 335, showing a consistent downward trend from earlier in the day, with readings of 348 at 2 PM, 343 at 3 PM, and 339 at 4 PM. The improvement is attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including better wind speeds, which have helped disperse the pollutants, reducing the AQI levels in the region.

Following the improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee convened a meeting to assess the situation and evaluate the air quality trends, with inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The Sub-Committee carefully considered both the current air quality readings and the weather forecasts for the coming days. According to IMD/IITM, while the AQI may remain in the “Poor” category in the near future, there is little likelihood of a severe deterioration that would necessitate the implementation of Stage-III restrictions again.

Stage-III of the revised GRAP, which had been in place since 3 January 2025, involves severe restrictions that significantly affect various sectors, including construction and demolition activities, industrial operations, and the closure of certain polluting activities. Given the improving trend, the Sub-Committee decided that continuing such drastic measures was no longer necessary. However, the committee emphasized that all actions under Stage II and Stage I of the revised GRAP will remain in effect, and these measures will be intensively implemented, monitored, and reviewed to prevent any further deterioration of air quality.

Under these lower stages of the GRAP, stricter controls on dust and pollution sources remain enforced, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, the closure of certain industrial units that have violated environmental regulations, and intensified measures to reduce vehicular emissions. Authorities have been directed to keep a vigilant watch over air quality and to take action swiftly should the situation worsen again.

In light of the ongoing winter season and the possibility of adverse weather conditions that could impact air quality, citizens in Delhi and the NCR are urged to comply with the Citizen Charter under Stages II and I of the revised GRAP, which includes measures like minimizing vehicular emissions, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and adhering to guidelines for public health and safety.

The Sub-Committee reassured the public that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action if required. It will review air quality parameters and forecasts regularly to ensure that the air quality does not degrade to levels that would once again trigger Stage-III actions.

In the meantime, construction and industrial sites that were closed due to non-compliance with various statutory directions remain under strict orders not to resume operations without specific permission from the Commission.

The decision to revoke Stage-III brings temporary relief, but authorities have emphasized that maintaining a proactive approach to air quality management will remain essential, particularly as winter weather conditions can still lead to a rapid deterioration in air quality.