Delhi’s air quality has shown significant improvement today, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to revoke Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect. This press release was issued on January 5, 2025.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was steadily declining throughout January 5, 2025. At 2 PM, the AQI was recorded at 348, improving to 343 at 3 PM, 339 at 4 PM, and further to 335 at 5 PM. This downward trend, coupled with favorable meteorological conditions and increased wind speed, led the CAQM’s Sub-Committee on GRAP to convene and review the situation.
The Sub-Committee considered forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which indicated that Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the “Poor” category in the coming days due to continuing favorable weather conditions.
Recognizing the disruptive impact of Stage-III restrictions on various stakeholders and the public, and considering the improving air quality trend and positive forecasts, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to lift all actions under Stage-III of the revised GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
While Stage-III restrictions are being revoked, actions under Stages II and I of the revised GRAP will remain in place and continue to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by relevant agencies throughout the NCR. Agencies are instructed to maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures under Stages II and I to prevent the need for reinstating Stage-III measures.
It was clarified that Construction & Demolition (C&D) project sites and industrial units that were issued closure orders for violations of statutory directions will not be allowed to resume operations without specific orders from the Commission.
The CAQM emphasized that while the immediate situation has improved, vigilance is still necessary, especially given the ongoing winter season, which can bring less favorable weather conditions. Citizens are urged to continue adhering to the Citizen Charter under Stages II and I of the GRAP to help maintain air quality improvements.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review conditions regularly, making further decisions as needed based on air quality data and forecasts from IMD/IITM.
