Air quality in Delhi and the NCR improved just enough for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift the strictest curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4.
This decision comes amid ongoing smog and poor air quality that continues to affect millions of residents. The daily Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category, showing a slight drop but still far from safe levels.
GRAP-4 Revoked in Delhi NCR
CAQM officials noted that winds and slight weather changes helped reduce pollution levels just enough to take Delhi out of the “severe plus” bracket linked to Stage-4 curbs. This allowed authorities to revoke the most stringent rules recently. However, the AQI still hovers in unhealthy categories, so authorities kept Stage I, II, and III actions active.
Under the continuing stages, lower-impact restrictions such as monitoring construction dust, checking polluting vehicles, and encouraging reduced vehicle use remain in force. These measures aim to prevent air quality from worsening again.
GRAP-4: What Restrictions Have Eased?
The removal of Stage-4 curbs has brought limited relief:
- Older petrol and diesel vehicles, which were barred under GRAP-4, are now allowed to operate.
- Construction activities that were fully suspended under Stage-4 can resume, subject to dust-control rules.
- Non-essential movement restrictions imposed during severe pollution episodes have been eased.
- Commercial and industrial operations face fewer operational limits than under Stage-4.
However, officials have stressed that this relief is conditional and may be withdrawn quickly if pollution levels rise again.
GRAP-4: What Restrictions Remain in Delhi-NCR?
Even after the rollback of GRAP Stage-4, several pollution curbs continue under Stages I, II and III:
- Construction and demolition activities remain regulated, with strict dust control norms in place.
- Water sprinkling and mechanical road sweeping must continue on major roads.
- Polluting industrial units will face close monitoring and action if emissions exceed limits.
- Diesel generator sets remain restricted, except for emergency and essential services.
- Traffic checks against visibly polluting vehicles will continue across Delhi-NCR.
- Schools and offices are advised to follow health advisories for outdoor activities.
- Citizens are urged to reduce private vehicle use and opt for public transport.
Authorities have made it clear that these measures will stay active as long as air quality remains in the “poor” or “very poor” category.
GRAP-4: What is It & Why It Matters?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of pollution control measures triggered automatically when the air quality worsens. It has four stages, with Stage IV being the most restrictive. These steps range from limiting vehicle types on roads to banning construction activity and controlling industrial emissions.
When the AQI rises above certain thresholds, the corresponding GRAP level kicks in. For Delhi in winter, this often means tight controls because cooler temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants near the ground.
GRAP-4: Residents Still Face Poor Air
People in Delhi and the surrounding NCR areas still breathe polluted air. Medical experts warn that even “very poor” air quality can harm older adults, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. Citizens are advised to limit outdoor activities until the AQI drops further.
GRAP-4: When Might Restrictions Be Reimposed?
Authorities stress that GRAP stages can be reactivated quickly if pollution spikes again. Sudden drops in wind speed, temperature inversions, or regional crop burning could worsen air quality again and lead to new curbs. Residents should stay updated through official AQI monitors.
