The air quality in Delhi improved on Friday morning, shifting to the ‘moderate’ category after days of poor air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 170 at 8 AM on February 7.
Recent AQI Trends
The improvement follows a period when Delhi’s AQI remained in the poor category due to fog and stagnant weather conditions. Earlier this week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a dense fog warning for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh, which had also affected air quality in the national capital.
Lifting of GRAP Stage-III Restrictions
On February 3, 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to lift Stage-III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to improving AQI levels.
- On February 3, Delhi’s AQI stood at 286, which was 64 points below the threshold of 350 required to continue Stage-III restrictions, as per Supreme Court directives.
- However, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in place to monitor and control pollution levels.
- Authorities have been instructed to keep a strict vigil and intensify pollution control measures under the existing GRAP stages.
Construction Restrictions Still in Place
Despite the relaxation of Stage-III measures, construction and demolition activities that were previously halted due to non-compliance with pollution norms cannot resume operations without specific approval from the CAQM.
Future Precautionary Measures
The commission has warned that if the AQI rises:
- Above 350 – Stage-III measures will be immediately reimposed as a precautionary step.
- Above 400 – Stage-IV measures will be reintroduced to tackle severe pollution levels.
Authorities continue to monitor air quality closely, ensuring that pollution control measures are effectively implemented to prevent further deterioration.