New Delhi, January 5, 2025 – The Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR due to significant improvement of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The decision comes after restricting air quality regulations against severe levels of pollution in the region.
Air quality improvement
Recent data suggests reduced pollution levels. By 4:00 PM of January 1, 2025, AQI in Delhi had gone down to 346; 335 then at 5:00 PM, moving away from “suffering.” With “Very Poor” or “Poor” category of air quality expected over the next days, forecasts from the IMD and IITM foresee no deterioration thereof.
Revocation of Stage III measures
On account of improved air quality, CAQM eased Stage III restrictions under GRAP. The set restrictions previously in place and revived included:
- Construction and demolition activities: There had been a complete halt to non-essential construction and demolition activities. Now these can commence, except in the case of sites closed for noncompliance. Such sites must have explicit permission from the Commission before reopening.
- Educational institutions: Schools had shifted to hybrid modes of teaching-learning, especially for classes up to grade 5. With the lifting of such restrictions, schools can revert to regular face-to-face classes.
- Vehicle restrictions: The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles was restricted in Delhi-NCR, other than cases involving people living with disabilities. Also, the vehicular restrictions were revoked, bringing regular traffic back into force.
- Diesel-operated medium goods vehicles: Non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards were banned in Delhi; the ban was revoked except in places that had specific stop orders on grounds of violations. These vehicles may now run in standard operation.
Stage I and II Measures
With the discontinuation of Stage III measures, actions under Stage I and II of GRAP will remain in force to prevent further deterioration in air quality. CAQM has instructed the concerned agencies to remain vigilant and maximize the efforts to ensure that the AQI does not slip back into more severe categories.
Public Advisory
The CAQM continues to advise the public to respect pollution control norms and adopt eco-friendly practices. Residents are encouraged to travel on public transport, reduce their private vehicle usage, and prohibit open burning of garbage or other such materials.
It is through such measures that the air quality is likely to improve and be sustained.
The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of stratified measures implemented to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR, with actions corresponding to specific AQI thresholds. Stage III measures are typically enforced when the AQI reaches the “severe” category, indicating hazardous air quality levels.
The recent improvement has allowed for the relaxation of these stringent measures, reflecting a positive trend in air quality management for the entire region.
The end of Stage III restrictions under GRAP denotes a welcome development in the fight against air pollution by the entire Delhi-NCR region. Stage I and II measures, therefore, shall continue; and it is obligatory that all agencies remain on high alert to ensure the effective control of air quality so that the semblance of improvement noted for now may become sustained.
