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Delhi NCR Revokes GRAP Curbs as Air Quality Improves to Moderate Levels

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked all Stage-I actions under the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi NCR, citing improved air quality with an AQI of 119. The decision follows forecasts from IMD and IITM indicating similar moderate conditions will persist. Authorities have been urged to continue implementing dust mitigation measures to prevent air quality from slipping back to the 'Poor' category. The move coincides with a new framework for targeted public engagement campaigns to tackle region-specific pollution sources year-round.

Key Points: Delhi NCR GRAP Restrictions Revoked as Air Quality Improves

  • GRAP Stage-I restrictions revoked immediately
  • Delhi's AQI recorded at 119 (moderate)
  • Forecasts indicate sustained improvement
  • Focus shifts to year-round public engagement campaigns
  • Targeted IEC campaigns for pollution sources urged
2 min read

All restrictions under GRAP in Delhi NCR revoked as air quality improves

All Stage-I GRAP curbs lifted in Delhi NCR as AQI improves to moderate levels. CAQM urges continued measures to sustain air quality gains.

"The Commission advises all NCR States and GNCTD to direct the concerned agencies... to plan, implement and intensify targeted IEC campaign - CAQM"

New Delhi, March 16

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas on Monday revoked Stage-I actions under the Graded Response Action Plan with immediate effect, citing improved air quality.

According to a release, the CAQM said that Delhi's AQI was recorded at 119 at 4:00 PM on Monday, which reflected moderate air quality, with IMD and IITM forecasts indicating similar conditions in the coming days.

However, the CAQM has urged all agencies of the State Governments and GNCTD to continue implementing statutory directions, guidelines, and dust mitigation measures to maintain the current improvement and prevent air quality from slipping back to the 'Poor' category.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GRAP is an emergency response mechanism for entire NCR, based on Average AQI levels and forecasts for meteorological/ weather conditions in Delhi that brings together multiple stakeholders, implementing agencies and authorities in NCR to respond to situations of deteriorating air quality in the region.

GRAP for NCR has been formulated after careful consideration of scientific data, stakeholder consultations, expert recommendations along with field experience and learnings in the past years.

Earlier this month, the CAQM issued a framework directing NCR States and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to roll out targeted Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns aimed at tackling region-specific sources of air pollution.

The move seeks to institutionalise sustained public engagement as a core pillar of pollution control strategy across Delhi-NCR, shifting focus from seasonal firefighting to year-round behavioural change and awareness.

In its latest advisory, the Commission said, "The Commission advises all NCR States and GNCTD to direct the concerned agencies in the region to plan, implement and intensify targeted IEC campaign, aligned with the dominant sources of air pollution." It stressed that outreach efforts must be tailored to key contributors such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, biomass burning and industrial pollution.

The CAQM emphasised that IEC activities should adopt a multi-channel approach, including print, electronic and digital media, social media platforms, and community-level programmes. Engagements with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), farmers' groups, transport unions, market associations and other stakeholders have been specifically recommended to ensure wider participation. States have also been encouraged to adopt innovative outreach models to maximise impact.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good news, but let's not celebrate too soon. Every year it's the same cycle - restrictions lifted, then back to square one in a few months. The IEC campaigns are a good step, but implementation on the ground is weak. We need permanent solutions, not just emergency plans.
A
Aman W
Finally! The odd-even rule and construction bans were causing so much inconvenience. My commute time had doubled. Happy to see data-driven decisions being made. Kudos to the agencies for monitoring the situation closely. 🙏
S
Sarah B
The focus on year-round behavioral change is crucial. We can't just blame farmers or Diwali crackers. Each one of us needs to contribute - use public transport more, avoid burning waste. The RWA engagement idea is excellent for local action.
V
Vikram M
AQI 119 is still 'moderate', not 'good'. We should aim for better. The real test will be post-monsoon. Hope the targeted IEC campaigns for specific pollution sources actually reach the people who need to hear them, not just stay on paper.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, cleaner air means my child can play outside without worry. This sustained engagement they talk about is key. Schools should also be part of the IEC campaign to teach the next generation. Small steps lead to big change.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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