CAQM revokes GRAP-3 curbs in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves

Delhi air pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revoked all actions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region with immediate effect, citing a steady improvement in air quality levels.

Delhi has recorded its lowest annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in 2025 over the last seven years, excluding the Covid-affected year of 2020, the CAQM said in an official statement.

“The year 2025 has witnessed the lowest ever average values for PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, barring the Covid-affected year 2020. With persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives for quantified results in the short, medium and long term, it is expected that the air quality scenario over Delhi will see further gradual but marked improvement, year on year,” the statement said.

According to CAQM data, Delhi’s annual average PM10 level stood at 198 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM2.5 was recorded at 97 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025 — the lowest since 2018.

Reflecting this improvement, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped sharply from 380 on Thursday to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, prompting the CAQM Sub-Committee to lift Stage III restrictions.

However, Stage I and Stage II measures under GRAP will continue across the NCR due to ongoing winter conditions, which remain unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. Authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the GRAP-I and II citizen charter to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

Reacting to the development, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the improving air quality was the result of sustained efforts by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

“We have intensified action on every major source of pollution- vehicular emissions, industrial waste, dust, and open dumping--while deploying new technology to strengthen our fight,” Sirsa said.

The minister cautioned against complacency, stressing that enforcement efforts would continue at the same pace despite the easing of restrictions.

“This is not the time to relax. This is the time to double our efforts and consolidate the gains we’ve made. Each small win fuels our motivation to make Delhi’s air cleaner every single day,” he added.