Authorities have withdrawn all pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan after a noticeable improvement in air quality across Delhi-NCR.
The decision was announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped to 119, placing it in the “moderate” category.
Officials said favourable weather conditions played a key role in improving air quality across the region.
Forecast Suggests Stable Air Quality
According to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the AQI is expected to remain in the moderate range in the coming days.
Based on these projections, authorities decided to lift all restrictions currently in force under the pollution control plan.
What Restrictions Have Been Removed
With the withdrawal of GRAP-1 restrictions, several pollution-control curbs have now been lifted.
These included:
●Ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels and restaurants
●Restrictions on diesel generator usage, which were allowed only for emergency purposes
●Additional monitoring and pollution control measures in construction and transport sectors
Businesses and commercial establishments across Delhi-NCR can now resume normal operations without these restrictions.
GRAP Measures Implemented Earlier in Winter
GRAP is a four-stage emergency pollution control system implemented depending on the AQI level.
The stages include:
GRAP-1: AQI between 201–300 (Poor)
GRAP-2: AQI between 301–400 (Very Poor)
GRAP-3: AQI between 401–500 (Severe)
GRAP-4: AQI above 450 (Severe+)
During the winter pollution season this year, the most stringent GRAP-4 restrictions were imposed on January 17.
As air quality gradually improved, authorities started withdrawing the measures step by step:
GRAP-4 revoked: January 20
GRAP-3 lifted: Two days later
GRAP-2 removed: February 18
Now, with AQI stabilising in the moderate category, all GRAP restrictions have been completely withdrawn.
Authorities Continue Monitoring Air Quality
Officials said air quality across Delhi-NCR will continue to be monitored closely. If pollution levels rise again, authorities may re-implement GRAP measures depending on the AQI levels.
