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Delhi Air Quality Improves, GRAP-IV Restrictions Lifted Immediately

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked strict Stage-IV GRAP restrictions across the NCR following a marginal improvement in Delhi's air quality. The city's AQI showed a declining trend, improving from 440 on January 18 to 378 on January 20. However, measures under Stages I, II, and III of the Graded Response Action Plan will remain in force to prevent a renewed spike in pollution. Construction sites that were closed for violations cannot resume operations without a specific order from the Commission.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Improves, CAQM Revokes GRAP-IV Curbs

  • GRAP-IV restrictions revoked
  • Delhi AQI improved to 378
  • Curbs were in place since Jan 17
  • Stages I-III remain in force
  • Violating construction sites stay closed
2 min read

CAQM revokes GRAP-IV restrictions as Delhi air quality improves marginally

CAQM revokes Stage-IV GRAP restrictions in Delhi-NCR as AQI shows a declining trend, improving from 440 to 378. Earlier curbs lifted.

"the GRAP Sub-Committee unanimously decides to revoke Stage-IV of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect - CAQM"

New Delhi, Jan 20

With a marginal improvement in Delhi's air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas on Tuesday revoked strict measures under Graded Response Action Plan Stage IV, which were in force since January 17, an official said.

The CAQM said in a statement, "Delhi's daily average AQI has shown significant improvement as it recorded 440 on January 18, which improved to 410 on Monday and further improved and recorded 378 on Tuesday as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)."

"Noting this declining trend in the AQI levels of Delhi, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM," it said.

Keeping in view the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP impacting a large number of stakeholders and the public as well as considering the trend of improvement in the average AQI of Delhi, the GRAP Sub-Committee unanimously decides to revoke Stage-IV of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect, it said.

"Further, all actions under Stages III, II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP (November 2025) shall, however, remain in place and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not rise further in the coming days," said the CAQM.

It said that construction and demolition project sites, which have been issued specific closure orders on account of violations/non-compliances of various Statutory Directions, rules and guidelines, shall under no circumstances resume their operations without any specific order to this effect from the Commission.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move. The Stage-IV restrictions were too disruptive for daily wage workers and small businesses. A balanced approach is needed. But they must keep a strict watch on the construction sites that were violating norms. No second chances for them!
A
Aman W
Marginal improvement from 'severe' to 'very poor' and they are revoking the strictest measures? This feels like a short-sighted decision. What if the wind changes tomorrow? We need a long-term plan, not this reactive on-off switch policy. 🏭
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality is a constant health worry. My child's school had to cancel outdoor activities. While I'm glad it's improving, I really hope the underlying issues like stubble burning and vehicle emissions are addressed year-round.
V
Vikram M
The data-driven approach is good. 440 to 378 is a positive trend. But let's be honest, this improvement is probably more due to favorable wind conditions than any permanent action. The fight is far from over. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
At least they are reviewing it regularly. That's a step in the right direction. Hope the lower stages (I, II, III) are implemented effectively now. Public transport needs to be boosted to keep private vehicles off the road.

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