The Sub Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday revoked all Stage IV restrictions across Delhi NCR with immediate effect, following a sustained improvement in air quality and favourable forecast trends.
Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan had been imposed on January 17, 2026 after a sharp deterioration in Delhi’s air quality. Since then, the situation has shown steady improvement. According to the daily air quality bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index improved from 440 on January 18 to 410 on January 19 and further to 378 later the same day.
In view of this improving trend, the Sub Committee convened a review meeting on January 20, taking into account air quality data and meteorological forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. The review noted that favourable meteorological conditions, particularly increased wind speed, had contributed to the dispersion of pollutants. While the AQI currently remains in the Very Poor category, forecasts indicate that it is likely to stay within this range over the coming days.
Considering the improvement in air quality, the forecast outlook and the highly disruptive nature of Stage IV restrictions affecting a large number of stakeholders and the general public, the Sub Committee unanimously decided to revoke all Stage IV actions across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect.
However, all measures under GRAP Stages I, II and III will continue to remain in force. Agencies across the NCR have been directed to strictly implement and further intensify actions under these stages to ensure that air quality does not deteriorate again and to avoid the need for re imposition of stricter restrictions.
The Sub Committee clarified that construction and demolition sites or other projects that were issued specific closure orders due to violations or non compliance with statutory directions, rules or guidelines will not be permitted to resume operations unless explicit approval is granted by the Commission.
Citizens have been urged to strictly adhere to the citizen charter prescribed under GRAP Stages I, II and III, especially during the winter season when meteorological conditions can quickly turn unfavourable. The Commission for Air Quality Management will continue to closely monitor the situation and conduct periodic reviews based on air quality levels and meteorological forecasts to take further decisions as required.
