GRAP-II Revoked as Delhi AQI Improves
CAQM lifts Stage-II curbs across NCR; Stage-I measures to continue
- CAQM withdraws GRAP Stage-II restrictions in NCR
- Decision follows steady fall in Delhi’s AQI
- AQI drops from 261 to 214 over three days
- Stage-I measures to remain in force
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Feb: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked all Stage-II actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect after a consistent improvement in air quality.
The decision was taken by the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP after reviewing the current air quality levels and forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a downward trend, recording 261 on February 16, improving to 249 on February 17, and further dropping to 214 on February 18.
Stage-II of GRAP had been in force since October 19, 2025, when Delhi’s AQI began showing an upward trend.
The sub-committee observed that the improvement in AQI was largely due to favourable meteorological conditions. Forecasts indicate that the air quality is likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.
While Stage-II restrictions have been lifted, all measures under Stage-I of GRAP will continue. Authorities have been directed to maintain strict vigil and intensify actions under Stage-I to prevent any further deterioration in air quality.
The CAQM said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and take further decisions based on AQI levels and weather forecasts.
