The Centre’s air quality monitoring panel has revoked #StageIII measures under the #GradedResponseActionPlan (#GRAP) following a significant improvement in #Delhi’sAirQuality. This decision, announced on Friday, comes as favourable weather, including persistent #Rainfall, helped bring the #AirQualityIndex (#AQI) down to 334 as of 7 PM on December 27, shifting it from the ‘#Severe’ to ‘#Poor’ category.
“Given the marked improvement, measures under Stage III of GRAP are being withdrawn,” stated the #CommissionForAirQualityManagement (#CAQM). However, restrictions under #StageI and #StageII remain in place to sustain air quality levels. The panel emphasized, “Strict implementation of Stage I and II measures will continue to prevent a relapse in AQI deterioration.”
#GRAP is an emergency framework designed to combat #AirPollution in the #DelhiNCR region, with actions triggered by AQI thresholds. Stage III is implemented when AQI exceeds 350, while Stage IV comes into effect beyond 400. Both Stage III and Stage IV measures were activated on December 16 when AQI levels soared to 401. Stage IV restrictions were lifted on December 24 as air quality began to improve.
Officials project that the AQI will remain in the ‘poor’ category (200-300) over the coming days, supported by ongoing favourable weather conditions. Despite the rollback of Stage III, construction and industrial activities previously suspended due to violations will remain halted unless explicitly permitted by authorities.
To maintain recent air quality gains, citizens are urged to adhere to GRAP’s #CitizenCharter. The CAQM reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely. “We remain vigilant and ready to implement additional measures, if necessary,” the panel assured.
