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Key Points

Delhi residents can breathe easier as the city's air quality significantly improves following recent rainfall. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has withdrawn Stage 1 emergency pollution measures after the Air Quality Index dropped to 140, categorized as 'moderate'. Meteorological conditions have played a crucial role in this improvement, with forecasts suggesting continued stable air quality. Authorities remain vigilant and will continue monitoring pollution levels to prevent any potential deterioration.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Improves GRAP Stage 1 Withdrawn

  • Rainfall helps reduce Delhi's pollution levels
  • AQI drops to 140 in moderate category
  • GRAP Stage 1 emergency measures lifted
  • Agencies advised to maintain air quality standards
2 min read

GRAP's Stage 1 withdrawn from Delhi-NCR as AQI improves to 'moderate'

Delhi's air quality improves to 'moderate' as CAQM revokes emergency pollution measures after recent rainfall

"AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions - CAQM Sub-Committee"

New Delhi, June 15

Delhiites breathed cleaner air after showers on early Sunday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 140, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to revoke actions under Stage-I.

"Today, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 140 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)," said Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in a statement.

While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters in the region and other aspects, the Sub-Committee said, "AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15 (in 'Moderate' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in 'Moderate' category in coming days."

"Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM predicting 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," the statement said.

It was also stressed that all the agencies of the state governments/GNCTD in the NCR, need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories and orders issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest to prevent the air quality from slipping to the 'Poor' category.

The sub-committee said that 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 said.

"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

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some relief from the toxic air! But we all know this is temporary until winter comes. Government needs long-term solutions, not just seasonal reactions. The GRAP system is good but implementation is weak on ground level.
P
Priya M.
Thank God for the rains! 😊 My asthma was getting worse last week. But why do we always wait for nature to solve our pollution problems? We need stricter enforcement on construction dust and vehicle emissions throughout the year.
A
Amit S.
Moderate AQI is still not good enough! 140 is harmful for sensitive groups. We should aim for 'Good' category (0-50) like other world capitals. When will Delhi learn from cities like Tokyo about pollution control?
S
Sunita R.
The moment restrictions are lifted, people will go back to burning waste and using diesel generators. We need more awareness campaigns in local languages about air pollution's health impacts. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram J.
Good decision by CAQM. At least they're monitoring regularly now. But what about the neighboring states contributing to Delhi's pollution? GRAP should be implemented uniformly across NCR, not just in Delhi.
N
Neha P.
The real test will come in October. All these temporary measures won't help when stubble burning starts. Farmers need affordable alternatives - the government must provide solutions before the crisis begins.

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