Delhi Lifts GRAP-4 as Winds Bring Temporary Breathing Space
CAQM eases emergency pollution restrictions but warns air quality may worsen again
- GRAP-4 emergency restrictions lifted after Delhi AQI drops to 271 (poor category)
- High winds and favourable weather improved air quality, says CAQM
- Older vehicles allowed back on roads; schools may resume normal classes
- IMD warns AQI could rise again due to slower winds ahead
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Dec: Delhi on Wednesday rolled back the most stringent Stage-4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after a temporary improvement in air quality brought some relief to the choking national capital.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that the GRAP sub-committee, after reviewing air quality data and weather conditions, decided to lift GRAP-4 curbs which were imposed last week when the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 450 mark, entering the ‘severe-plus’ category.
“AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement since last night owing to high winds and favourable meteorological conditions,” CAQM said in a statement. On Wednesday, the AQI was recorded at 271, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
However, authorities cautioned that the relief could be short-lived. “Air quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM suggests a possible increase in AQI in the coming days due to slower winds,” the statement added.
While Stage-4 restrictions have been withdrawn, actions under GRAP-1, GRAP-2 and GRAP-3 will continue to remain in force to prevent a sharp deterioration in air quality.
With the rollback, older vehicles that were barred from plying under emergency restrictions can return to the roads. The Delhi government has also eased school restrictions imposed under GRAP-4, which had mandated hybrid learning for classes up to Class 11.
Under GRAP norms, Stage-1 measures apply when AQI ranges between 201 and 300 (‘poor’), Stage-2 between 301 and 400 (‘very poor’), Stage-3 between 401 and 450 (‘severe’), while Stage-4 comes into effect once AQI crosses 450 (‘severe-plus’).
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and cooperate with pollution control measures, warning that changing weather patterns could push air quality back into dangerous territory.
