The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the immediate revocation of Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). This is in response to improving air quality in Delhi. This press release was issued on January 12, 2025.
Key Takeaways
Delhi’s AQI has steadily improved throughout the day, dropping from 281 at 2 PM to 278 at 4 PM. Rainfall due to a Western Disturbance (WD) on January 11-12, 2025, played a crucial role in improving air quality.
Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predict another WD around January 14-15, 2025.
While Stage-III restrictions are lifted, Stages I & II remain in effect.
The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing air quality parameters and weather forecasts, decided to revoke Stage-III restrictions due to the following factors:
- The AQI has fallen significantly below the 350 threshold required for Stage-III implementation.
- Forecasts indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘Poor’/’Very Poor’ category, but not reach ‘Severe’ levels, in the coming days.
- The Sub-Committee considered the significant impact of Stage-III restrictions on various stakeholders and the public.
While Stage-III measures are being lifted, the CAQM has emphasized that actions under Stages I & II of the revised GRAP will remain in force. Concerned agencies are instructed to maintain strict vigilance and intensify enforcement of these measures to prevent a resurgence of ‘Severe’ air quality and the need to reinstate Stage-III actions.
Furthermore, any Construction & Demolition (C&D) project sites and industrial units that were specifically ordered to close due to violations will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit permission from the CAQM.
Recognizing that winter weather can be unpredictable and may lead to less favorable conditions for air quality, the CAQM urges citizens to continue adhering to the Citizen Charter guidelines under Stages I & II of the revised GRAP.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation in Delhi and NCR and will take further action as needed based on air quality data and meteorological forecasts.
