New Delhi: After the fresh rainfall on Saturday in the national capital of Delhi the air quality level has significantly improved following which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
However, actions under Stage I and Stage II remain in effect, with authorities emphasising vigilance to prevent further deterioration.
The decision was made after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the current air quality index (AQI) levels and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Despite the easing of Stage-III restrictions, authorities have urged citizens to adhere to GRAP-II guidelines, particularly as weather conditions during winter can exacerbate pollution levels.
According to an official order, owing to a WD (Western Disturbance) on January 11-12, there were rains around Delhi-NCR and the AQI of Delhi has shown a significant improvement owing to the favourable meteorological conditions.
“The AQI of Delhi was recorded as 278 at 4:00 PM today which is 72 points below the 350 mark to implement the Stage-III as per the extant directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court,” said the order.
Further, the forecast by IMD predicts another WD (Western Disturbance) in the region around January 14-15, 2025.
Following AQI improvement, the CAQM has withdrawn Stage-III restrictions, which were reinstated on January 9, 2025, after the AQI breached the 350 mark.