The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of GRAP Stage-3 restrictions across Delhi-NCR after the region recorded a gradual improvement in air quality over the past three days.
Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 327, falling under the “very poor” category. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that the air is likely to remain in the same band for now.
Despite the improvement, the CAQM has stated that all measures under GRAP Stage-1 and Stage-2, notified under the modified plan on November 21, will remain in force and be strictly monitored to prevent any fresh deterioration in air quality.
Why Stage-3 Restrictions Have Been Lifted
According to the CAQM order, the GRAP Sub-Committee reviewed pollution levels and acknowledged that conditions had improved sufficiently to roll back the strict measures imposed on November 11.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that Stage-2 measures will continue to apply across the capital, adding that enforcement agencies will maintain vigilance to ensure compliance.
What Changes Now?
With Stage-3 curbs now withdrawn:
- The mandatory 50% work-from-home system for government and private offices has been revoked.
- Schools that had shifted to hybrid mode for Classes up to 5 will return to regular operations.
- Restrictions on non-essential construction and demolition activities, stone crushing, and mining operations have been lifted.
Stage-3 measures had also included curbs on:
- Operations of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
- Movement of older diesel goods vehicles within Delhi.
However, the CAQM has clarified that construction and demolition sites previously shut for violations cannot resume work unless specifically permitted by the commission.
Strict Monitoring of Stage-1 & Stage-2 Measures
All implementing agencies have been directed to intensify enforcement of the remaining restrictions under Stage-1 and Stage-2—ranging from dust control to curbs on industrial emissions.
Why GRAP Is Enforced in Winters
During winter, Delhi-NCR suffers a rapid dip in air quality due to:
- Unfavourable weather conditions
- Vehicle emissions
- Paddy-straw (stubble) burning
- Firecrackers
- Local pollution from industries and construction
Under GRAP, air quality is classified into four categories:
- Stage 1: Poor (AQI 201–300)
- Stage 2: Very Poor (AQI 301–400)
- Stage 3: Severe (AQI 401–450)
- Stage 4: Severe+ (AQI > 450)
This graded system helps authorities implement pollution-control measures based on real-time air quality data.