In a breath of fresh air for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially lifted Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a promising shift to the ‘Moderate’ category. The decision, rooted in favorable meteorological forecasts and sustained improvement in air conditions, marks a welcome pause in emergency pollution control measures that had been in effect since early April.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday announced the revocation of Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR). The decision follows a review by the Sub-Committee on GRAP, which took into account the latest AQI trends and weather predictions indicating continued moderate air quality levels.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s daily monitoring, Delhi’s AQI stood at 184 on May 1, placing it comfortably within the ‘Moderate’ category. The improvement is largely attributed to strong winds and favorable atmospheric conditions, which helped disperse pollutants more efficiently than in previous weeks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have forecast that these favorable conditions will persist in the short term. Based on these insights, CAQM determined that continued enforcement of GRAP Stage-I was no longer necessary.
GRAP Stage-I was initially enforced on April 2 when the region’s AQI dipped into the ‘Poor’ category. The restrictions included measures like heightened vigilance on pollution sources, intensified street cleaning, and discouragement of certain construction activities. With the air now cleaner, these measures are being rolled back though with a word of caution.
CAQM has urged state government agencies and the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) to continue following existing statutory pollution control measures. Agencies have been advised to remain proactive in maintaining current air quality levels, especially in anticipation of weather variability in the coming week.
From May 1 to May 6, meteorological models predict isolated thunderstorms, strong surface winds, and occasional dust storms in parts of northern India, which could potentially affect air quality again.
Despite the revocation of GRAP Stage-I, CAQM emphasized the need for continued vigilance. The agency called on citizens, local bodies, and enforcement departments to uphold efforts to keep pollution in check across sectors such as transportation, industry, construction, and waste management.
Conclusion:
As the capital breathes a little easier, the CAQM’s latest move brings temporary relief to residents and industries affected by GRAP restrictions. However, with weather changes on the horizon and pollution sources still active, maintaining air quality will require sustained public cooperation and strict enforcement of ongoing environmental regulations.