Delhi Air Quality Improves; GRAP Stage 3 Restrictions Lifted

On Friday, the Centre’s air quality panel announced the revocation of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and surrounding areas, following a marked improvement in the city’s air quality.

This decision comes just one day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) rolled back Stage 4 restrictions due to a decline in pollution levels.

Delhi Air Quality Forecasts Indicate Positive Trends

According to a statement from the CAQM, its sub-committee met on Friday to assess the air quality situation in the region. The committee also reviewed forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Based on their analysis, the CAQM concluded that Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain at the lower end of the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days due to favourable weather conditions and strong wind speeds.

“Given the forecasts from IMD/IITM, we anticipate that Delhi’s AQI will stay in the lower ‘Very Poor’ category shortly,” the CAQM stated.

While restrictions under Stage 3 have been lifted, the CAQM emphasized that construction and demolition project sites, which were previously issued closure orders due to violations, will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit permission from the Commission.

This precaution is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that all guidelines and rules are followed to maintain air quality standards.

Significant Improvement in Delhi’s AQI

Delhi’s air quality has seen a substantial improvement, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 289 on Friday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a notable decline from the AQI levels observed earlier in the week, which had surged past 350, triggering the invocation of GRAP Stage 3 and Stage 4 on January 15.

The recent dip in AQI levels is a positive development, signalling a downward trend in air pollution, and offering some relief to the residents of Delhi and its neighbouring regions.

Ongoing Monitoring And Cautionary Measures

While the lifting of Stage 3 restrictions is a positive step, the CAQM remains vigilant. The panel continues to monitor air quality closely, in collaboration with meteorological agencies, to ensure timely interventions if necessary.

The public is also urged to stay updated on air quality forecasts and adhere to any further advisories issued by the authorities.

In conclusion, the revocation of GRAP Stage 3 restrictions reflects the improvement in Delhi’s air quality, but authorities remain cautious and committed to maintaining a balanced approach toward managing air pollution.

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