Delhi-NCR gets relief as GRAP-3 restrictions are lifted after a sharp improvement in air quality. With AQI dropping from ‘very poor’ levels and 2025 marking Delhi’s cleanest air in years, can the gains be sustained?
Restrictions under GRAP-3 revoked
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revoked restrictions imposed under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region after a noticeable improvement in air quality. However, preventive measures under Stages 1 and 2 of GRAP will continue to remain in force.
According to CAQM, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 380 on Thursday, improved significantly to 236 by 4 pm on Friday, indicating a sustained downward trend in pollution levels. Based on this improvement, the CAQM Sub-Committee decided to withdraw Stage-3 curbs with immediate effect across the National Capital Region.
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The revocation of Stage-3 restrictions brings relief to residents and businesses, as these measures typically include bans on non-essential construction activities, restrictions on certain industrial operations, and limits on vehicle usage. Authorities, however, cautioned that monitoring will continue closely to ensure air quality does not deteriorate again.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that the national capital recorded its best air quality performance in eight years during 2025. He said average PM2.5 levels declined from 104 micrograms per cubic metre in 2024 to 96 in 2025, while PM10 levels dropped from 212 to 197 micrograms per cubic metre during the same period.
“Delhiites entrusted us with governance, and clean air became our top priority. The improved AQI figures show that science-driven policies deliver real results,” Sirsa said.
Official data showed that Delhi recorded nearly 200 days in 2025 with AQI below 200, marking a 15 per cent improvement compared to the previous four years. Among these, 79 days fell under the ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’ categories.
The average AQI between January and November stood at 187, the best since 2017, excluding the Covid-affected year of 2020. The number of days with ‘severe’ air pollution dropped to just eight, the lowest in recent years.
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Officials said air pollution control became a priority after the Delhi government assumed office in February last year. Measures focused on reducing vehicular emissions, controlling construction dust, monitoring industries, and improving waste management.
Mechanised road sweeping, anti-smog guns, mist sprayers, and strict construction site inspections were intensified. Enforcement against vehicular pollution also increased, with over 12 lakh challans issued since October 1.
Looking ahead, the Delhi government plans to strengthen GRAP enforcement, expand technology-based solutions, and enhance citizen participation in 2026 to sustain air quality gains.
