The Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region after a significant improvement was recorded in Delhi’s air quality on January 2.
According to an official statement, Delhi’s Air Quality Index, which stood at a severe level of 380 a day earlier, dropped sharply to 236 by 4 pm on Friday. Observing a sustained downward trend in pollution levels, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP decided to revoke Stage-III curbs with immediate effect across the NCR.
The Commission, however, clarified that preventive and regulatory measures prescribed under GRAP Stages I and II will continue to remain in force. These measures are aimed at preventing a fresh spike in pollution levels, especially as winter weather conditions remain unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. Authorities have urged residents to strictly follow citizen guidelines issued under these stages.
Reacting to the decision, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa credited the improvement in air quality to sustained enforcement and ground-level action taken by the government. He praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for strengthening pollution control measures across the capital.
Sirsa said intensified action has been taken against major sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial waste, dust pollution and open dumping. He added that new technologies have also been deployed to enhance monitoring and enforcement. Stressing the need for continued vigilance, the minister said this was not the time to relax but to build on the gains achieved so far to ensure cleaner air for Delhi.
The CAQM has said it will continue to closely monitor air quality trends in the coming days and take further action if pollution levels rise again.