The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted all restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, citing a steady improvement in air quality. However, measures under GRAP Stages I and II will remain in force.

The decision follows a sharp drop in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which improved from 380 on Thursday to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, indicating a consistent downward trend in pollution levels.

Stage III Curbs Withdrawn After AQI Improvement

In an official order, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP said the easing of pollution levels warranted the revocation of Stage III actions. At the same time, it stressed that Stages I and II would continue due to unfavourable winter meteorological conditions that could lead to a sudden deterioration in air quality.

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Authorities also urged residents to strictly follow the citizen charter under GRAP I and II to prevent pollution levels from rising again.

Government Vows Continued Enforcement

Reacting to the development, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the improvement in air quality reflected sustained ground-level efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. He said the government had intensified action against key pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial waste, construction dust and open dumping, while also deploying new technologies.

Sirsa stated that the lifting of Stage III restrictions does not mean a reduction in enforcement. “This is not the time to relax but to strengthen our efforts and secure long-term gains,” he said, adding that monitoring and on-ground operations would continue with the same intensity to ensure cleaner air for the capital.