The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has revoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), with immediate effect. This decision comes in light of significant and sustained improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which was recorded at 85 today, placing it in the ‘Satisfactory’ category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Bulletin.

Favourable Meteorological Conditions Aid AQI Improvement The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP, which convened to assess the region’s air quality, cited several factors contributing to the improved AQI, including: Favourable wind patterns Light rain and drizzling Improved meteorological conditions

Additionally, forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that Delhi’s AQI is expected to remain in the ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.

Given these favourable projections, the CAQM Sub-Committee unanimously decided to lift Stage-I restrictions of GRAP, which had been in place since 7 March 2025.

Authorities Urged to Sustain Gains and Prevent Air Quality Deterioration Despite the improved air quality, the CAQM has urged State Governments, the GNCTD, and regulatory agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that:

All statutory directions, advisories, and orders issued by the Commission are strictly implemented. Guidelines by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and CPCB are adhered to. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) enforce compliance across all contributing sectors. In particular, authorities have been directed to focus on dust mitigation measures for construction and demolition (C&D) activities, as well as road and open-area maintenance, which are expected to play a crucial role in determining air quality in the coming months.

Continuous Monitoring to Guide Future Decisions The CAQM Sub-Committee has assured that it will closely monitor the air quality scenario and review the situation periodically. Future decisions will be made based on real-time AQI trends and meteorological forecasts provided by IMD and IITM.

With sustained regulatory efforts and proactive mitigation strategies, authorities aim to prevent a relapse into the ‘Poor’ AQI category, ensuring healthier air quality for Delhi-NCR residents.