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Delhi's Air Quality Improves, All GRAP Pollution Curbs Lifted

Delhi's air quality has shown significant improvement, with the AQI falling into the 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' categories across most monitoring stations. The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked all restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan due to this improvement and favorable weather forecasts. Consequently, bans on using coal and firewood in hotel tandoors and limits on diesel generators have been lifted. The GRAP restrictions had been implemented in stages earlier this year during severe pollution episodes.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Improves, GRAP Curbs Fully Revoked

  • AQI falls to 'satisfactory' & 'moderate' levels
  • All GRAP stage restrictions revoked in Delhi-NCR
  • Ban on coal/firewood in eateries lifted
  • Diesel generator use now permitted beyond emergencies
2 min read

Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves; GRAP curbs fully revoked

Delhi's AQI improves to 'moderate' levels, leading authorities to revoke all GRAP stage restrictions. Get the latest updates and data.

"Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the moderate category in the coming days, - official"

New Delhi, March 17

Delhi witnessed a notable improvement in air quality on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index falling into the 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' categories across several monitoring stations. In light of this significant improvement, all restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan have been revoked in the Delhi-NCR region, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to official data, AQI levels across key areas showed considerable relief. Ashok Vihar recorded 144, Aya Nagar 132, Bawana 165, Burari Crossing 120, CRRI Mathura Road 121, Delhi Cantonment 122, Chandni Chowk 134, and the Commonwealth Sports Complex 133. Other areas such as DTU reported 93, Dwarka Sector-8 157, IGI Airport (T3) 129, IIT Delhi 127, JNU 113, and Narela 140. However, a few locations like Mundka (170), Patparganj (164), Rohini (174), Shadipur (185), and Wazirpur (197) remained in the moderate range.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the improvement to favourable meteorological conditions. Delhi's overall AQI was recorded at 119 on Monday. "Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the moderate category in the coming days," an official stated.

With the revocation of GRAP measures, several restrictions have been lifted. These include the ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as limitations on the use of diesel generators, which are now permitted beyond emergency situations.

GRAP comprises four stages, each triggered by AQI levels. GRAP-1 is implemented when AQI ranges from 201 to 300, GRAP-2 from 301 to 400, GRAP-3 from 401 to 500, and GRAP-4 when AQI exceeds 450.

This year, GRAP-4 restrictions were enforced on January 17 amid severe pollution levels. As air quality gradually improved, these measures were rolled back in phases. GRAP-4 was revoked on January 20, followed by GRAP-3 two days later, and GRAP-2 restrictions were lifted on February 18.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to hear! My son's asthma has been much better. But looking at the data, areas like Wazirpur and Shadipur are still struggling. The government should focus on these pollution hotspots specifically, not just the city's average.
R
Rohit P
So the diesel generators are back on? And restaurants can use coal tandoors again? This feels like we're just waiting for the next spike. The relief is due to wind, not policy. We'll be back to GRAP-4 by next winter for sure.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved here from abroad, the difference is palpable. I can actually see blue sky! It's a welcome change. Hope the authorities use this time to strengthen permanent infrastructure for cleaner air.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but a bit premature? Mundka at 170 is not 'satisfactory'. Lifting all restrictions might cause a backslide. We should keep some measures in place, especially in industrial zones, to consolidate the gains.
K
Kavya N
This is such a relief! Morning walks are enjoyable again. 🙏 But we citizens also have a responsibility. Less private cars, more public transport. The clean air is for us to maintain too, not just the government's job.

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