The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has revoked Stage Three of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region with immediate effect following a significant improvement in air quality driven by favourable meteorological conditions, particularly strong surface winds.
The decision was taken by the Sub Committee on GRAP after a detailed review of air quality data and weather forecasts. Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index showed a consistent downward trend from the morning of January two and stood at 236 at four pm, as per the Central Pollution Control Board bulletin. This improvement brought the air quality into the Poor category, moving away from the Severe conditions that had triggered Stage Three restrictions earlier.
Stage Three of GRAP had been in force across the NCR since December thirteen two thousand twenty five. The Sub Committee met on January two to assess the prevailing air quality scenario as well as short term forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Forecasts indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the Poor to Very Poor category in the coming days.
Taking into account the improvement in air quality, the predicted weather conditions, and the disruptive impact of Stage Three restrictions on public life, construction activity, transport and livelihoods, the Sub Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage Three of the extant GRAP with immediate effect across the entire NCR.
However, the Commission clarified that preventive and control measures under Stage Two and Stage One of the extant GRAP schedule notified in November two thousand twenty five will continue to remain in force. All concerned agencies have been directed to strictly implement, monitor and intensify these measures to ensure that air quality does not deteriorate again and to avoid the need for re imposition of Stage Three restrictions.
The Commission also made it clear that construction and demolition sites or other establishments that were issued specific closure orders due to violations or non compliance with statutory directions will not be permitted to resume operations unless a specific order allowing resumption is issued by the Commission.
Given the winter season and the possibility of sudden changes in weather conditions, citizens have been urged to strictly follow the citizen charter prescribed under Stage One and Stage Two of GRAP. These measures are aimed at sustaining the improvement in air quality and preventing a renewed spike in pollution levels.
The Sub Committee on GRAP will continue to closely monitor air quality trends and meteorological forecasts and will review the situation periodically to take further decisions as required in the interest of public health and environmental protection.
