GRAP Stage-I Revoked Across NCR as Delhi Air Quality Improves to ‘Moderate’
The decision comes after the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi showed a sharp decline, aided by rainfall and favourable meteorological conditions.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city’s AQI dropped from 175 on May 3 to 88 on May 4, moving from the ‘moderate’ to the ‘satisfactory’ category.
New Delhi: The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage-I restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, following a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
The decision comes after the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi showed a sharp decline, aided by rainfall and favourable meteorological conditions. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city’s AQI dropped from 175 on May 3 to 88 on May 4, moving from the ‘moderate’ to the ‘satisfactory’ category.
The GRAP Sub-Committee had earlier invoked Stage-I measures on April 16 after a rising trend in pollution levels was observed. With current forecasts from meteorological agencies indicating that air quality is likely to remain within the ‘satisfactory’ to ‘moderate’ range in the coming days, the panel unanimously decided to lift the restrictions.
Despite the relaxation, authorities have directed all implementing agencies across NCR—including state governments, pollution control boards and local bodies—to continue enforcing existing environmental regulations and pollution control measures.
These include adherence to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the CPCB and respective state pollution control authorities, particularly focusing on dust mitigation and emission control across sectors such as construction, transport and industry.
The Commission emphasised that sustained efforts will be critical to maintaining improved air quality levels, warning that the situation will continue to be closely monitored. Further action may be taken depending on real-time AQI trends and updated forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
The revocation of GRAP Stage-I signals temporary relief for the NCR region, even as authorities remain on alert to prevent a resurgence of pollution levels in the coming weeks.
