The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has withdrawn Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, citing improved air quality. The measures were initially enforced on January 5, 2025, to tackle rising pollution levels but have now been lifted following a notable decline in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Current AQI Levels
Delhi’s AQI recorded significant improvement, with readings of 339 at 4 PM and 335 at 5 PM. Experts attribute this improvement to favorable weather conditions and stronger wind speeds. Forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict that the AQI will remain in the ‘Poor’ category for the foreseeable future, supported by continued favorable weather.
Active Measures
While Stage-III restrictions have been lifted, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in effect. These include measures such as stricter monitoring of construction activities, promotion of public transport, and control of industrial emissions.
GRAP Stage-III Measures
Stage-III restrictions previously implemented included:
A ban on non-essential construction activities.
Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.
Prohibition of non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards.
Additionally, schools for children up to grade V were required to adopt hybrid learning, allowing for online education options.
Context of Restrictions
Stage-III measures are triggered when AQI crosses 350, as per Supreme Court directives. The CAQM had imposed these measures on December 16, 2024, when AQI levels reached 401.
The withdrawal of Stage-III measures is expected to bring relief to businesses and commuters while continuing efforts to address air pollution through other active GRAP protocols.
