New Delhi: In a significant relief for residents of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revoked all Stage-II restrictions across the NCR with immediate effect, citing consistent improvement in Delhi’s air quality over the past few days.

Stage-II of the extant GRAP had been invoked on October 19, 2025, following a sharp upward trend in the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI). However, the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows a marked downward trajectory. Delhi’s daily average AQI, which stood at 261 on February 16, improved to 249 on February 17 and further declined to 214 on February 18 at 4 pm.

Taking note of the improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee convened a meeting to assess the prevailing air quality conditions, along with meteorological forecasts and AQI projections provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

The panel observed that favourable weather conditions have contributed to the improvement in air quality. Forecasts by the IMD and IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.

Considering the sustained downward trend and projections, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-II of GRAP across the entire NCR.

However, authorities clarified that measures under Stage-I of GRAP will continue to remain in force. Concerned agencies have been directed to strictly implement, monitor, and intensify Stage-I actions to prevent any further deterioration in air quality.

The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically, taking further decisions based on real-time data and forecasts issued by the IMD and IITM.

(Cover Photo Credit: CANVA)