Delhi-NCR Gets Breathing Room: CAQM Revokes GRAP-4 Curbs with Immediate Effect
CAQM revokes Stage IV GRAP curbs in Delhi-NCR due to an improved AQI of 378 and favourable winds; Stages I, II, and III remain in force.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday announced the revocation of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi-NCR region following a marginal improvement in air quality. However, the agency clarified that preventive and restrictive measures under Stages I, II, and III of the revised GRAP will continue to remain in force.
According to official data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 378 on Tuesday, placing it in the “very poor” category. This marked a slight improvement compared to an AQI of 410 on Monday and 440 on Sunday. Despite the improvement, pollution levels remain well above safe limits, prompting authorities to maintain partial restrictions.
The stricter GRAP-4 measures had been imposed on Saturday, January 17, after air quality in the capital and surrounding areas deteriorated into the “severe” category. These measures included bans and curbs on certain construction activities, industrial operations, and vehicle movement to prevent further degradation of air quality.
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In a statement, the CAQM said the improvement was primarily due to favourable meteorological conditions. “Owing to favourable meteorological conditions and an increase in wind speed, the AQI of Delhi has shown improvement and was recorded as 378 (‘Very Poor’) on 20.01.2026,” the agency said, citing forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The CAQM added that weather forecasts indicate the AQI is likely to remain within the “very poor” range over the next few days. Based on these projections, the Sub-Committee decided to withdraw Stage IV actions with immediate effect, revoking its order dated January 17, 2026, which had invoked measures applicable to the “Severe+” category.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and adhere to advisories, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Officials stressed that continued enforcement of GRAP Stages I to III remains essential to prevent air quality from worsening again amid ongoing winter conditions in the region.
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