The Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has revoked all actions under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect, following a sustained improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
The decision was taken on Wednesday after a detailed review of the prevailing air quality conditions, meteorological forecasts and Air Quality Index projections provided by the Central Pollution Control Board and IMD IITM.
Stage II of the extant GRAP had been invoked on October 19, 2025, when Delhi’s average AQI began exhibiting an upward trend. Since then, preventive and restrictive measures under Stage II were implemented to contain further deterioration of air quality in the region.
According to the AQI Bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s daily average AQI has shown a consistent downward trend over the past few days. The AQI stood at 261 on February 16, 2026, improved to 249 on February 17, 2026, and further declined to 214 at 4 PM on February 18, 2026.
During the review meeting held on February 18, the Sub-Committee noted that the improvement in air quality was largely due to favourable meteorological conditions. Forecasts shared by IMD IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the Poor to Moderate category in the coming days.
In view of the improving trend and the projected stability in air quality, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to withdraw Stage II actions across NCR with immediate effect. However, all measures under Stage I of GRAP will continue to remain in force.
Authorities have directed all implementing agencies to ensure strict enforcement of Stage I measures, intensify monitoring and maintain vigilance to prevent any resurgence in pollution levels. The concerned agencies will continue implementation, monitoring and review of Stage I interventions as outlined in the extant GRAP framework.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality scenario in Delhi NCR and review the situation periodically. Further decisions will be taken based on real-time air quality data and forecasts issued by IMD IITM to safeguard public health and environmental stability.
