Delhi-NCR Sees Air Quality Improvement, Stage 3 GRAP Curbs Revoked

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday announced that it has lifted Stage 3 pollution restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi-NCR region, citing an improvement in air quality.

According to the commission, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has shown signs of improvement due to favourable weather conditions. CAQM referred to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which suggest that air quality in Delhi-NCR is expected to remain in the “moderate” to “poor” range over the next few days.

“In view of the improving air quality, the Sub-Committee has decided to revoke its order dated January 16, 2026, invoking Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality) actions under the modified GRAP with immediate effect,” the order said.

However, the commission stressed that citizens must continue to strictly follow the guidelines under GRAP Stages 1 and 2. It warned that winter weather conditions are still not fully favourable and careless behaviour could cause pollution levels to rise again.

Despite the rollback of Stage 3 measures, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday morning, with an AQI of 313, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As per CPCB standards, an AQI of 0–50 is classified as ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.

On the weather front, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.3°C, which was 1.2 degrees below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 25°C.

Palam reported a minimum temperature of 8°C, 1.3 degrees below normal, while Lodhi Road recorded 6.7°C, also 1.3 degrees lower than average. The Ridge station saw a minimum of 9.2°C, 0.8 degrees below normal, and Ayanagar recorded 7.3°C, down by 1.1 degrees.

The IMD has forecast moderate fog on Thursday, followed by thunderstorms and rain on Friday.