The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR, citing a sustained improvement in air quality. The decision comes into effect immediately, while preventive measures under GRAP Stages I and II will remain in force.

The move follows a significant drop in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which improved from 380 on Thursday to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, reflecting a consistent downward trend in pollution levels.

In an official order, the CAQM’s Sub-Committee on GRAP said the easing of pollution warranted the withdrawal of Stage III curbs. However, it cautioned that winter meteorological conditions remain unfavourable, increasing the risk of sudden deterioration in air quality. As a result, lower-stage restrictions will continue as a precautionary measure.

The authority also urged citizens to strictly adhere to the GRAP I and II citizen charter, stressing that public cooperation is essential to prevent pollution levels from rising again.

Reacting to the development, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi’s Environment Minister, said the improvement in air quality reflects sustained ground-level action under the leadership of Rekha Gupta. He said the government has intensified enforcement against major pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial waste, construction dust, and open dumping, while also deploying new technologies to monitor and control pollution.

Sirsa emphasised that the lifting of Stage III curbs does not signal a relaxation in enforcement. “This is not the time to ease off, but to strengthen our efforts and secure long-term gains,” he said, adding that monitoring and on-ground operations will continue with the same intensity to ensure cleaner air in the capital.