Delhi Breathes Easier: Stage III Pollution Restrictions Lifted as Air Quality Improves

In a welcome relief for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality shows signs of improvement. Favorable weather conditions, including better wind speeds, have been key factors in reducing pollution levels, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings recorded at 339 and 335 on Monday afternoon are expected to improve further, prompting the sub-committee on GRAP to lift the stricter measures.

What’s Changing?

Stage III restrictions, which included the following measures, have now been withdrawn:

A ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities.

Suspension of physical classes for students up to Grade 5 (previously shifted to hybrid mode).

Restrictions on personal use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles (except for persons with disabilities).

A ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards.

Precautions Remain in Place

Despite this positive development, restrictions under Stages I and II of GRAP will remain active to prevent any backslide in air quality. The CAQM has emphasized continued vigilance, especially with winter’s unpredictable weather potentially impacting pollution levels.

Monitoring and Compliance

The Commission will continue monitoring air quality closely and reviewing the situation as needed. While some restrictions are being eased, construction and demolition sites that violated environmental norms remain shut until further notice. These operations can only resume after receiving approval from the Commission.

Residents are urged to continue following existing measures under GRAP-II to help maintain the improving air quality.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”