New Delhi: In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), through its order dated 29 January 2025, invoked GRAP Stage-III when the average AQI of Delhi started to rise sharply and breached the 350 mark on the same day.

Today, Delhi’s average AQI has significantly improved, with the day’s AQI recorded at 286, according to the AQI Bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This reflects a clear downward trend. Noting this improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to assess the air quality situation in the region, along with forecasts for meteorological conditions and AQI provided by IMD and IITM, to take a decision on the preventive and restrictive actions under Stage-III of GRAP that have been in place across the NCR since 29 January 2025.

A comprehensive review of the air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR showed a significant improvement in the AQI, driven by better mixing height and ventilation coefficient, as well as favourable meteorological conditions that have aided the dispersion of pollutants. The AQI recorded for Delhi on 3 February 2025 was 286, which is 64 points below the 350 threshold that mandates the implementation of Stage-III, as per the Supreme Court’s directives. Further, IMD forecasts indicate very light rain or drizzle and favourable wind conditions in the coming days.

Given the disruptive impact of restrictions under Stage-III of GRAP on a large number of stakeholders and the public, and considering the trend of improvement in the AQI along with forecasts suggesting that the AQI will remain in the 'poor' or lower end of the 'very poor' category, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP has unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-III of GRAP across the NCR with immediate effect.

However, all measures under Stages II and I of GRAP will continue to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by the relevant agencies across the NCR to prevent a further rise in AQI levels. Authorities have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures under Stages II and I to avoid the need for re-imposing Stage-III restrictions.

Construction and demolition project sites that were issued specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliance with statutory directions, rules, and guidelines must not resume operations unless they receive specific approval from the Commission.

While Stage-III restrictions are being lifted, given the ongoing winter season and the possibility of unfavourable weather conditions, citizens are urged to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stages II and I of GRAP.

The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically to take further decisions based on air quality levels in Delhi and forecasts from IMD and IITM.

BI Bureau