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Delhi Lifts GRAP Stage-III Curbs as Air Quality Shows Steady Improvement

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked all Stage-III GRAP actions in the Delhi-NCR region with immediate effect, citing a consistent decline in pollution levels. Delhi's AQI showed significant improvement, dropping from 380 to 236 within a day. However, measures under Stages I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan will remain enforced to prevent any backsliding during the unfavourable winter conditions. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that on-ground operations against major pollution sources will continue with undiminished rigor despite the relaxation of Stage-III curbs.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Revokes GRAP Stage-III as AQI Improves

  • GRAP Stage-III revoked
  • AQI improved to 236
  • Stage I & II remain active
  • On-ground anti-pollution efforts continue
2 min read

CAQM revokes GRAP III in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves

CAQM lifts Stage-III GRAP restrictions in Delhi-NCR as AQI drops from 380 to 236. Stage I & II measures remain in force during winter.

"This is not the time to relax. This is the time to double our efforts. - Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa"

New Delhi, January 2

The Commission for Air Quality Management Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to revoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of the extant GRAP, with immediate effect, in the entire National Capital Region.

All actions under Stages I & II of the extant Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are to remain in force in NCR.

According to the data, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 380 on Thursday, improved to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, indicating a consistent decline. In view of the improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee has decided to lift all measures under Stage III, effective immediately.

As per the official order, GRAP-I and II will continue in view of the winter season when weather conditions are not favourable, and to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP-I & II strictly.

Following the decision of the CAQM Sub-Committee to revoke restrictions under Stage-III of the GRAP, Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the city's improving air quality is a reflection of persistent ground-level efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

"We have intensified action on every major source of pollution- vehicular emissions, industrial waste, dust, and open dumping--while deploying new technology to strengthen our fight," Sirsa said.

The Minister emphasized that even though GRAP Stage-III restrictions have been lifted, on-ground operations will continue with the same rigor and priority. "This is not the time to relax. This is the time to double our efforts and consolidate the gains we've made. Each small win fuels our motivation to make Delhi's air cleaner every single day," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some relief. My son's school had stopped outdoor activities. While Stage III is revoked, we must all follow the citizen charter. Carpooling and avoiding waste burning should be our duty.
R
Rohit P
The minister says "this is not the time to relax" but lifting Stage-III restrictions sends the opposite signal to industries and construction. AQI of 236 is still 'poor'. We need consistent, long-term policy, not reactive measures.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality is a constant concern. Glad to see improvement, but 236 is not 'good air'. Hope the focus on vehicular emissions and waste continues year-round.
V
Vikram M
Good step. The consistent decline shows efforts are working. But let's be honest, a big reason is also favorable wind conditions. The real solution lies in addressing stubble burning in neighboring states permanently. That requires center-state cooperation.
M
Meera T
Thank goodness! The restrictions on construction were affecting daily wage workers badly. A balanced approach is needed - protect health but also livelihoods. Hope GRAP I & II are enough to prevent a slide back.

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