Delhi-NCR News: GRAP Stage-3 Curbs Revoked In Capital As Air Quality Improves

Delhi-NCR's air quality panel has lifted Stage 3 restrictions due to improved air pollution levels. Stage 3 restrictions included measures such as construction bans and limitations on vehicle usage.

File photo | Delhi’s air quality improved, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) recorded at 339 at 4 pm and 335 at 5 pm, and trends suggest that AQI levels may continue to decline.

Source : PTI

The Government’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality revoked Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday, after air pollution levels showed signs of improvement. Stage-3 had been imposed on Friday, and it had included a ban on non-essential construction work and a shift to hybrid learning for schools up to grade V, with parents and students being given the option for online education, if available.

Stage-3 restrictions also limited the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars in Delhi and nearby NCR districts, except for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards were prohibited.

On Sunday, the air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 339, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. 

GRAP Stage 3 In Delhi-NCR Revoked Amid Favourable Meteorological Conditions: CAQM

According to a formal order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality scenario following favourable meteorological conditions, such as better wind speeds, which contributed to the improvement. The forecast provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggests that Delhi's AQI is likely to remain in the "Poor" category in the coming days, but it is expected to improve further.

The Sub-Committee’s decision to revoke Stage-3 restrictions comes after an order issued on January 3, 2025, invoking actions under Stage-3 following the AQI crossing the 350 mark. However, the Sub-Committee observed that the air quality had improved and thus decided to revoke the Stage-3 measures with immediate effect.

Notably, construction and demolition projects that had been shut down due to violations of statutory directions, rules, and guidelines are not to resume their operations without a specific order from the Commission. While Stage-3 has been lifted, actions under Stage-1 and Stage-2 of the revised GRAP will remain in place to ensure that AQI levels do not worsen further. The Sub-Committee has urged strict adherence to the citizen charter under GRAP-2, especially during the winter season when weather conditions may fluctuate.

The CAQM stressed that the Sub-Committee would continue to monitor air quality closely and intensify measures under Stage-1 and 2 to maintain improvements.