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Key Points

Delhi-NCR has lifted Stage-I GRAP restrictions as the AQI improved to 140. The CAQM cited favorable weather and forecasts for the decision. Authorities must still ensure compliance with pollution control measures. Earlier restrictions were imposed when AQI reached 209. The region aims to prevent a slip back into the "Poor" category.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Revokes GRAP Stage-I as AQI Improves to 140

  • GRAP Stage-I revoked after AQI drops to 140
  • IMD predicts moderate air quality ahead
  • Restrictions imposed earlier as AQI hit 209
  • Agencies urged to sustain better air quality
2 min read

Stage-I GRAP measures revoked in Delhi-NCR as AQI drops to 140

CAQM lifts Stage-I GRAP restrictions in Delhi-NCR as AQI drops to moderate levels, citing improved air quality forecasts.

"AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favorable meteorological conditions - CAQM Order"

New Delhi, June 15

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 140 on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the already enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

This comes as the national capital records an AQI of 140, which is still considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" but escapes the "Poor" category.

The Sub-Committee on GRAP, in its meeting today, further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the air quality index of Delhi.

"AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favorable meteorological conditions and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15, 2025, (in 'Moderate' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in 'Moderate' category in coming days," the order issued by the CAQM read.

Accordingly, the sub-committee decided to revoke its order, which invoked actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

"All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./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 MoEFCC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/DPCC, across all contributing sectors," the order read.

Earlier on June 7, the CAQM enforced Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect in view of the rising pollution, as the AQI reached 209.

An AQI rating is categorised as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some relief from pollution restrictions! But 140 AQI is still not great. Why do we celebrate when air quality is just "moderate"? We deserve clean air, not just "not terrible" air. Government should focus on long-term solutions like better public transport and green energy.
P
Priya M.
Good news for small businesses and construction workers who were affected by GRAP restrictions. But we need to be careful - Delhi's air can turn bad very quickly. Monsoon will help now, but what about winter? 🌧️
A
Amit S.
The GRAP system is working well - taking action when needed and relaxing when situation improves. But implementation at ground level needs improvement. Last week I still saw many vehicles without pollution certificates plying on roads.
N
Neha T.
As someone with asthma, even 140 AQI affects me. People don't realize how much pollution impacts our health until they or their loved ones suffer. We need stricter norms and better enforcement all year round, not just when AQI crosses 200. 😷
S
Sanjay V.
The real test will come in October-November when stubble burning starts in neighboring states. All these temporary measures won't help then. Need permanent solution to farm fires and better coordination between states.
K
Kavita R.
Happy to hear this! My children can finally play outside again. But I wish schools would install proper air purifiers in classrooms - even moderate AQI affects children's health and concentration.

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