NewKerala.com

Delhi-NCR Air Improves, Stage III Pollution Curbs Lifted Immediately

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked all Stage III anti-pollution actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The decision follows a consistent improvement in air quality, with the AQI dropping from 378 to 322. However, measures under Stages I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan will remain in force to prevent a backslide. The sub-committee will continue to monitor the situation closely based on forecasts from the IMD and IITM.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Pollution Curbs Eased as AQI Improves

  • Stage III GRAP revoked
  • AQI improved to 322
  • Restrictions were 'disruptive'
  • Stages I & II remain in force
  • Violating sites stay closed
3 min read

CAQM revokes Stage III restrictions across Delhi-NCR as AQI improves

CAQM revokes Stage III GRAP restrictions across Delhi-NCR as air quality improves to 322 AQI. Stage I & II measures remain in force.

"AQI is likely to remain in the 'moderate' to 'poor' category in coming days. - IMD/IITM Forecast"

New Delhi, January 22

The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management revoked all Stage III actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on Thursday in view of the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, read, the Sub-Committee had invoked Stage III of GRAP on 16.01.2026, following a deterioration in Delhi's average AQI. Subsequently, Delhi's air quality showed a downward trend. As per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI improved from 378 on 20.01.2026 to 330 on 21.01.2026 and 322 on 21.01.2026. In view of this improving trend and based on air quality and meteorological forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the CAQM Sub-Committee met today to review the situation.

The Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi has been improving owing to favourable meteorological conditions and recorded as 322 today i.e. 22.01.2026. Forecast by IMD/ IITM indicates that AQI is likely to remain in the "moderate" to "poor" category in coming days. Therefore, keeping in view the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III of extant GRAP impacting a large number of stakeholders and public, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP today unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-III of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

Further, all actions under Stages II & I of the extant schedule of GRAP (November 2025) shall, however remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not rise further in the coming days. Agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stages II & I of the extant schedule of GRAP in order to obviate the need for re-imposition of Stage-III of extant GRAP in NCR.

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

While GRAP Stage-III is being revoked, keeping in view the winter season when weather conditions may not be always favourable and in order to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP.

The Sub-Committee shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good decision based on data. 322 is still 'poor' though, not something to celebrate. The real test is if we can keep it from shooting back up to 400+ next week. Authorities need to be vigilant.
A
Aman W
Finally! My child's school had stopped outdoor activities. It's a temporary fix though. We need a permanent solution for stubble burning and vehicle pollution. This annual cycle is exhausting.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Gurgaon, the air quality alerts were alarming. Glad to see it's improving, but the article says Stages I & II restrictions remain. What exactly does that mean for citizens?
V
Vikram M
The authorities are being reactive, not proactive. We lift restrictions the moment AQI dips slightly, then panic when it spikes again. Where is the long-term policy? This is just managing headlines.
K
Kavya N
Thank goodness. My asthma was acting up terribly last week. Hope the wind patterns stay favourable. Everyone should follow the citizen charter - small steps like using public transport can make a difference.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50