The Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted the Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after a significant improvement in the city’s air quality due to rainfall. The decision was made on Sunday, as the rain alleviated some of the pollution levels, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) improving from a “very poor” to a “poor” category.
The revocation of the Stage-III restrictions, which were imposed on Thursday, includes the removal of a ban on private construction and demolition activities, optional hybrid classes for schools up to Class 5, and restrictions on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers. Additionally, non-essential BS-IV diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) are no longer restricted from operating in the capital.
While Stage-III measures have been lifted, Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain in effect. These include actions such as a ban on the entry of trucks (except essential goods vehicles), restriction on the use of diesel generators, and increased parking fees, among others.
Delhi’s AQI, which had reached 327 (considered “very poor”) on Saturday, improved to 284 (“poor”) by Sunday morning, following overnight rainfall. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the rain, caused by a western disturbance affecting northwest India, played a crucial role in reducing the pollution levels. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet, noted that the impact of the western disturbance would weaken by Sunday evening, with a further drop in temperatures expected from Tuesday.
The weather also brought some relief, with the minimum temperature on Sunday recorded at 9°C, two degrees higher than the previous day. The drop in temperatures is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting the minimum temperature may dip back to around 7°C by January 15 as cold northwesterly winds return to the region.
Though the immediate threat of severe pollution has been alleviated with the rains, officials continue to monitor the situation, and Stage-I and Stage-II measures will remain in place to ensure air quality does not deteriorate again.
The improvement in Delhi’s air quality comes as a brief respite from the usual heavy smog and haze that plagues the city during winter, especially after Diwali, and further reinforces the importance of timely weather changes in combating urban air pollution.
Sources By Agencies