Stage-II GRAP restrictions were withdrawn due to an improvement in Delhi's air quality. The AQI improved owing to favorable meteorological conditions.
Explorer
GRAP Stage-II Restrictions Revoked In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improves
Stage-I and Stage-II measures under GRAP have been in force since October 14 and October 19 last year, respectively.
Despite the improvement, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category earlier in the day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 227 at 9 AM.
Source : IANS
- Air quality improves, prompting withdrawal of Stage-II GRAP restrictions.
- Favorable weather conditions lead to AQI falling to 'poor' category.
- Stage-I and Stage-II measures had been in effect since October.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) withdrew Stage-II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following an improvement in air quality, officials said.
“The AQI of Delhi has shown improvement owing to favourable meteorological conditions and has been recorded 214 at 4 p.m. today. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM indicates that AQI is likely to remain in poor or moderate category in coming days,” a CAQM official stated.
Stage-I and Stage-II measures under GRAP have been in force since October 14 and October 19 last year, respectively.
Rain Brings Marginal Relief
Parts of the national capital witnessed light rain on Wednesday (February 18, 2026). The minimum temperature settled at 15.8°C, which is 4.8 degrees above the season’s average.
Despite the improvement, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category earlier in the day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 227 at 9 AM.
How AQI Is Classified
The CPCB categorises AQI levels as follows:
- 0 to 50: ‘Good’
- 51 to 100: ‘Satisfactory’
- 101 to 200: ‘Moderate’
- 201 to 300: ‘Poor’
- 301 to 400: ‘Very Poor’
- 401 to 500: ‘Severe’
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Stage-II GRAP restrictions withdrawn in Delhi-NCR?
What was Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) when restrictions were lifted?
Delhi's AQI was recorded at 214 at 4 p.m. on February 18, 2026. This falls under the 'poor' category.
When were Stage-I and Stage-II GRAP measures implemented?
Stage-I measures were in force from October 14, and Stage-II measures were implemented from October 19 of the previous year.
What is the AQI classification for the 'poor' category?
The 'poor' category for AQI ranges from 201 to 300.
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