The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked all Stage Three restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi NCR with immediate effect, following a sustained improvement in air quality levels and favourable meteorological forecasts.
The decision was taken by the Sub Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management on 22 January 2026 after a detailed review of air quality trends and weather projections. Stage Three restrictions had been imposed earlier on 16 January 2026 when Delhi’s average Air Quality Index deteriorated sharply and entered the severe category, necessitating stringent curbs to prevent further escalation of pollution levels.
Subsequent monitoring indicated a steady improvement in air quality. According to the daily Air Quality Index bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average AQI declined from 378 on 20 January 2026 to 330 on 21 January 2026 and further improved to 322 on 22 January 2026. The Sub Committee noted that the downward trend was supported by favourable dispersion conditions and weather patterns.
Forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that the AQI in Delhi is likely to remain in the moderate to poor category over the coming days. Taking into account this improving trajectory and the disruptive impact of Stage Three restrictions on economic activity, construction, transportation and daily life of citizens, the Sub Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions prescribed under Stage Three of the extant Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region.
While Stage Three restrictions have been lifted, the Commission has clarified that all measures under Stage One and Stage Two of the extant Graded Response Action Plan issued in November 2025 will continue to remain in force. These measures will be strictly implemented, monitored and reviewed by all concerned agencies to ensure that air quality does not deteriorate again in the coming days.
The Commission has directed all implementing agencies to maintain heightened vigilance and intensify enforcement of measures under Stage One and Stage Two, particularly in sectors related to dust control, vehicular emissions, industrial operations and waste management. The objective is to prevent a reversal of the current improvement and avoid the need for reimposition of stricter restrictions.
The Commission has also made it clear that construction and demolition sites or other projects that have been issued specific closure orders due to violations or non compliance with statutory directions, environmental rules or guidelines will not be permitted to resume operations unless explicit approval is granted by the Commission. Revocation of Stage Three restrictions does not automatically override individual closure orders issued on account of regulatory violations.
Considering the ongoing winter season, when weather conditions can change rapidly and adversely affect air quality, the Commission has appealed to citizens to strictly adhere to the citizen charter prescribed under Stage One and Stage Two of the Graded Response Action Plan. Citizens have been urged to cooperate by avoiding activities that contribute to pollution and by following advisories related to waste burning, vehicle usage and dust generation.
The Sub Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality scenario in Delhi NCR and will review the situation periodically. Any further decisions on tightening or relaxing measures will be taken based on real time air quality data and updated meteorological forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
