GRAP Stage III curbs lifted in Delhi-NCR as air quality shows improvement
IMD predicts thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall on Friday, which may further influence air quality levels in the region
PTC Web Desk: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday announced the withdrawal of Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, citing a gradual improvement in air quality levels.
In its official order, the commission said that pollution levels have eased due to favourable meteorological conditions. It also referred to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which suggests that the Air Quality Index (AQI) across the region is expected to remain within the “moderate” to “poor” range in the coming days.
Based on these assessments, the CAQM Sub-Committee decided to revoke its January 16 directive that had enforced Stage-III measures under GRAP, which are activated during severe air pollution episodes. The decision takes effect immediately.
However, the commission cautioned that the winter season continues to pose challenges for air dispersion. Residents have been urged to strictly follow the citizen guidelines prescribed under GRAP Stage-I and Stage-II to prevent a further deterioration in air quality.
Despite the rollback of stricter curbs, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city’s AQI standing at 313. As per CPCB standards, AQI values between 301 and 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category, while levels above 400 are considered ‘severe’.
On the weather front, Delhi experienced a chilly start to the day, with the minimum temperature settling at 6.3 degrees Celsius, which is slightly below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 25 degrees Celsius.
Among various monitoring stations, Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road saw temperatures dip to 6.7 degrees Celsius. The Ridge station reported 9.2 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar logged a minimum of 7.3 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has predicted moderate fog conditions for Thursday, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall on Friday, which may further influence air quality levels in the region.