Delhi Pollution: GRAP-4 Measures Revoked As Air Quality Improves Amid Light Rains

Delhi Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region but will keep measures under Stages I, II, and III in place.

Delhi Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). However, measures under Stages I, II, and III will remain in force to manage the persistently high pollution levels, according to an official order issued on Tuesday.

The CAQM's decision follows the Supreme Court’s directives. The apex court had instructed that GRAP Stage III measures be implemented when the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaches 350 and Stage IV when it crosses 400. After Delhi’s AQI worsened to 401 at 10 pm on 16th December 2024, the Sub-Committee on GRAP invoked Stage IV. Subsequently, air quality data has shown a slight improvement, prompting the CAQM to roll back Stage IV measures.

According to AQI.in, New Delhi's average AQI is at 292 as of 7 pm.

Earlier in the day, Delhi’s air quality was reported to be in the ‘severe’ category, with an average AQI of 401 recorded at 7 a.m. The highest AQI level was observed at the Bawana monitoring station (455), while the lowest, at 222, was recorded at the IHBAS Dilshad Garden station, which falls under the ‘poor’ category. Prominent areas like Rohini (451), Anand Vihar (442), and Punjabi Bagh (431) also registered severe pollution levels. Among the ‘very poor’ category, Shadipur had the lowest AQI at 360.

Delhi Witnesses Light Rain Amid Yellow Alert For Fog

Adding to the woes, Delhi experienced a chilly morning with a minimum temperature of 10.8°C recorded at 5:30 a.m., coupled with thick fog that significantly reduced visibility. Light rain further accentuated the winter chill. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the national capital witnessed light rain while a yellow alert has been issued for fog.

The maximum and minimum temperatures were predicted to hover around 20°C and 8°C, respectively.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI levels between 401 and 450 as ‘severe’ and those above 450 as ‘severe plus.’ These alarming levels have led to widespread health concerns, with residents reporting respiratory problems and eye irritation.

The Supreme Court has called for stringent enforcement of GRAP and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and urged NCR states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to implement firecracker bans similar to Delhi’s. Additionally, the court directed the deployment of monitoring teams at Delhi’s entry points to ensure compliance with GRAP measures.