New Delhi – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revoked Stage-III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region following marked improvement in pollution levels. The decision came after Delhi air quality improves substantially, with the Air Quality Index showing a significant downward trend that prompted authorities to ease stringent restrictions.
According to an official press update, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 380 a day earlier, dropped sharply to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, indicating a consistent improvement pattern. This dramatic reduction in pollution levels demonstrates that measures implemented to combat air pollution have yielded positive results as Delhi air quality improves beyond critical thresholds.
CAQM Decision on Stage-III Restrictions
Taking note of the improvement, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP decided to withdraw all restrictions mandated under Stage-III with immediate effect across the NCR. The lifting of these curbs provides relief to residents and businesses that had been operating under stringent pollution control measures designed for severe air quality conditions.
However, the decision to ease restrictions does not represent a complete rollback of air quality measures. As Delhi air quality improves, authorities remain vigilant about maintaining these gains and preventing any reversal of the positive trend observed in recent days.
Continued Enforcement of Stage-I and Stage-II Measures
The official update clarified that preventive and regulatory actions prescribed under GRAP Stages I and II will continue to remain in force across the National Capital Region. This measured approach ensures that even as Delhi air quality improves, basic pollution control protocols remain active to prevent deterioration.
Authorities have emphasized that winter weather continues to pose challenges for air quality management in the region. The meteorological conditions during winter months typically trap pollutants closer to the ground, making sustained vigilance essential even when Delhi air quality improves temporarily.
Citizen Compliance and Guidelines
Residents have been urged to follow the citizen guidelines prescribed under GRAP Stages I and II. Public cooperation remains crucial for maintaining the air quality improvements achieved through government interventions and favorable weather conditions. Individual actions, when multiplied across millions of residents, significantly impact whether Delhi air quality improves or deteriorates.
These guidelines typically include recommendations such as using public transportation, avoiding activities that generate dust, refraining from burning waste, and reducing unnecessary vehicular trips. Continued adherence to these practices will be essential as authorities work to consolidate the gains made in recent days.
Environmental Minister’s Response
Reacting to the Commission for Air Quality Management’s decision to withdraw Stage-III curbs, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership. He attributed the fact that Delhi air quality improves to sustained action taken on the ground across multiple pollution sources.
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Sirsa explained that authorities have intensified action on every major source of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial waste, dust, and open dumping. The government has also deployed new technology to strengthen the fight against air pollution, contributing to the measurable improvements in air quality metrics.
Government’s Commitment to Sustained Action
The Environment Minister emphasized that the improvement in air quality should not lead to complacency. “This is not the time to relax. This is the time to double our efforts and consolidate the gains we’ve made,” Sirsa stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining momentum even as Delhi air quality improves.
He further noted that each small victory in the battle against air pollution fuels motivation to make Delhi’s air cleaner every single day. This statement reflects an understanding that air quality management requires sustained, long-term commitment rather than temporary emergency measures.
Understanding the AQI Improvement
The dramatic improvement from an AQI of 380 to 236 represents a shift from “very poor” to “poor” air quality category. While 236 still indicates unhealthy air conditions, particularly for sensitive groups, the improvement demonstrates that interventions are working effectively. As Delhi air quality improves, the goal remains to push the AQI into “moderate” or “satisfactory” ranges.
An AQI of 380 falls in the “very poor” category where respiratory effects are common even among healthy individuals. The reduction to 236, while still concerning, significantly reduces health risks for the general population and shows that Delhi air quality improves when appropriate measures are implemented.
Multi-Source Pollution Control Strategy
The government’s comprehensive approach targets multiple pollution sources simultaneously. Vehicular emissions, one of the largest contributors to Delhi’s air pollution, have been addressed through restrictions on older vehicles and promotion of public transportation. Industrial waste control has been intensified with stricter monitoring and enforcement.
Dust control measures, including mechanized sweeping of roads and covering of construction sites, have been implemented more rigorously. Open dumping and burning of waste, common practices that significantly worsen air quality, have faced increased penalties and enforcement. These combined efforts explain why Delhi air quality improves when all measures work in concert.
Looking Forward
As winter conditions persist, authorities recognize that the battle against air pollution requires continued vigilance. While the lifting of Stage-III restrictions provides relief, the retention of Stage-I and Stage-II measures ensures that basic protections remain in place. The goal is to ensure that Delhi air quality improves not just temporarily but establishes a sustainable upward trend.
The government has indicated its commitment to using technology, enforcement, and public cooperation to maintain and build upon current improvements, working toward the day when Delhi consistently enjoys clean, healthy air throughout the year.
