NewKerala.com

Key Points

Delhi's air quality has significantly improved, leading to the immediate withdrawal of GRAP Stage 1 emergency measures. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 179, categorized as 'moderate' following recent weather changes. Meteorological forecasts suggest the air quality will remain in the moderate range in the coming days. Authorities have emphasized the need for continued vigilance and implementation of pollution control guidelines across the National Capital Region.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Improves GRAP Stage 1 Lifted Immediately

  • Strong winds and thunderstorms helped reduce air pollution
  • CAQM Sub-Committee reviews and revokes emergency measures
  • Agencies advised to maintain current air quality levels
  • Continuous monitoring will continue by pollution control bodies
3 min read

AQI moderates, GRAP's Stage 1 withdrawn from the entire NCR with immediate effect

Delhi's air quality improves to moderate, GRAP Stage 1 withdrawn after wind and rain reduce pollution levels

"Delhi's Air Quality Index of the day clocked 179 - Ministry of Environment Statement"

New Delhi, May 18

With Delhi's AQI recorded as 'moderate' on Sunday, a day after strong winds and thunderstorms followed by light rains, the GRAP Stage 1 imposed in the NCR since May 16 has been withdrawn with immediate effect, an official statement said.

"Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 179 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)," the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change statement said.

"In view of significant improvement in the daily average AQI of Delhi and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 16.05.2025," it said.

While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement due to strong surface winds and thunderstorms followed by light rains, being recorded as 179 on May 18 (in ‘moderate’ category), and further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in 'moderate' category in coming days, the statement added.

"Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect."

It was also stressed that all the agencies of the state governments/GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the ‘Poor’ category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by the MoEFCC and the CPCB and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective state governments/GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/DPCC, across all contributing sectors.

In this context, all the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures, the statement added.

"The Sub-Committee shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made available by IMD/ IITM," it said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some relief from the pollution! The winds and rains were much needed. But we know this is temporary - construction dust and vehicle emissions will bring back the smog soon. Government needs long-term solutions, not just GRAP stages. 🌱
P
Priya M.
Good news for Delhiites! My child's asthma was getting worse last week. Hope authorities maintain strict vigil even after GRAP withdrawal. Those violating pollution norms should be heavily fined - public health is not a joke!
A
Amit S.
Why do we always wait for nature to solve our pollution problems? Strong winds and rain helped this time, but what about winter when stubble burning starts? We need year-round action plans, not just seasonal reactions.
S
Sunita R.
As a daily commuter, I could literally feel the difference in air quality after the rains. But I'm worried - construction near Dwarka Expressway has restarted full swing. Will dust control measures actually be implemented? 🤔
V
Vikram J.
Moderate AQI is being celebrated like we've won a war! 179 is still not good air quality by global standards. We need to aim for 'good' category (0-50) consistently. When will our governments take this seriously?
N
Neha T.
Happy to hear this news! The timing is perfect as schools are reopening tomorrow. But I hope authorities keep monitoring strictly - last time GRAP was lifted, pollution levels shot up within days. Let's not be complacent!

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50