Delhi-NCR Revokes GRAP Stage-III Restrictions Due to Improved Air Quality

New Delhi, 28 Nov 23 – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has lifted Stage-III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) owing to a significant improvement in the air quality. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the revocation with immediate effect on Tuesday.

While Stage-III restrictions are lifted, the Ministry emphasized that actions under Stage-I to Stage-II of GRAP will continue to be in force. These measures will be implemented, intensified, monitored, and reviewed by all concerned agencies across the entire NCR. The objective is to ensure that the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels do not deteriorate to the ‘Severe’ category in the coming days, as stated in a communique from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The decision to revoke Stage-III was made during a meeting of the Sub-Committee for the operationalization of GRAP actions, convened by the CAQM. The sub-committee reviewed the current air quality scenario and considered forecasts for meteorological conditions and the air quality index provided by IMD/IITM.

The Sub-Committee, taking into account the disruptive impact of Stage-III restrictions on a large number of stakeholders and the public, along with the notable improvement in the average AQI for Delhi-NCR, unanimously decided to roll back Stage-III of the revised GRAP across the entire NCR.

This move follows the earlier decision to revoke actions under Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of GRAP on November 18, based on the improved average AQI of Delhi and subsequent air quality forecasts. The CAQM continues to monitor and respond to the evolving air quality situation in the region.