NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, as air quality has improved over the past few days.
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 327. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that the air quality is expected to remain in the “very poor” category.
Nevertheless, the CAQM confirmed that measures under Stage-1 and Stage-2 of the revised GRAP, announced on November 21, will continue and will be closely monitored throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent a resurgence of pollution levels.
The CAQM’s announcement indicated that the Sub-Committee on GRAP assessed the air quality situation and noted a recent improvement, prompting the reversal of the November 11 directions that had implemented Stage-3 protocols.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that measures under GRAP Stage-2 will now apply citywide.
With the easing of Stage-3 measures, the previously mandated 50% work-from-home policy for offices has been discontinued, as has the hybrid learning mode for schools. Sirsa conveyed this via a post on X.
The restrictions of Stage-3 included prohibitions on non-essential construction and demolition activities, as well as stone crushing and mining operations.
Additionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Stage-3 also enforced a ban on older diesel goods vehicles in Delhi, while schools up to Class 5 transitioned to a hybrid operation, and offices operated at 50% capacity in Delhi-NCR.
Construction and demolition sites that were shut down due to violations will remain closed until explicitly authorized by the commission.
The CAQM also instructed all implementing agencies to maintain tight oversight and enhance actions under Stage-1 and Stage-2.
During the winter months, Delhi-NCR follows GRAP restrictions that classify air quality into four stages: Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Adverse meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winter.
