Delhi Air Gets Relief: Stage II GRAP Curbs Revoked in NCR

Stage II GRAP restrictions have been revoked across the NCR after Delhi’s AQI improved to 214. The air is still in the poor category, but pollution levels are clearly coming down. Authorities reviewed fresh data and weather forecasts before taking this call. Stage I measures will continue, and monitoring remains strict.

The decision was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management after reviewing real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Just two days ago, Delhi’s AQI stood at 261. It dropped to 249 and then further to 214. That steady fall made the difference.

Why Were Stage II Curbs Removed?

The improvement did not happen randomly. Weather conditions played a big role. According to forecasts from IMD and IITM, the AQI is likely to stay in the poor to moderate range in coming days. That gave authorities some confidence.

Stage II under GRAP is imposed when pollution rises sharply. It brings stricter controls on construction work, vehicle movement, and certain industrial activities. With pollution easing, the sub-committee decided those tighter restrictions were not needed right now.

Still, this is not a full relaxation. Officials made it clear that Stage I actions remain active across NCR.

What Stage I Means for Residents

Stage I of GRAP focuses on preventive steps. It includes stricter checks on dust control, proper waste management, and monitoring of construction sites. Agencies have been directed to enforce these rules strongly so pollution does not spike again.

Citizens are also expected to cooperate. Simple steps matter. Avoid unnecessary vehicle use. Follow traffic rules. Do not burn waste. Small habits, when followed by many, makes a visible impact.

The authorities are not taking chances. Monitoring will continue. Real-time data is being reviewed daily.

Pollution Trend Shows Slow Improvement

The AQI reading of 214 still falls in the poor category. That means the air is not clean yet. Sensitive groups should remain cautious. But compared to 261 just days ago, it is progress.

GRAP Stage II had earlier been invoked in October 2025 when pollution levels started rising. Since then, restrictions were tightened step by step whenever needed. This time, the improving trend allowed some relaxation.

Experts say weather support is temporary. Wind speed and temperature shifts help disperse pollutants. If conditions change, pollution may rise again. That is why authorities are staying alert.

What Happens Next?

The sub-committee will keep reviewing the situation. If AQI worsens, stricter measures can return quickly. The GRAP system is designed to respond in stages, depending on pollution levels.

For now, Delhi and NCR residents get a slight breathing space. Not perfect air, but better than before. The focus now is to sustain this improvement and prevent another spike.

Air quality in Delhi has always been a cycle of rise and fall. This small dip in pollution is welcome. But it will need effort from agencies and citizens both, otherwise the relief may not last long.