AQI Recovery Allows CAQM to Roll Back Stage III Restrictions
New Delhi: Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) commuters experienced a welcome relief as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) today revoked all Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), bringing an immediate end to severe curbs on car movement and other vehicular operations. Private vehicles, which had been restricted under emergency pollution measures since January 16, can now operate freely, easing the daily commute for millions and reducing the disruption faced by businesses and residents across the region.
The decision, effective from 22 January 2026, comes in view of a sustained improvement in air quality across Delhi-NCR, supported by favourable meteorological conditions and expert forecasts. Stage III measures had been imposed on January 16 after Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to dangerous levels, necessitating stringent actions including restrictions on vehicles, construction activity, and other pollution-intensive operations.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI showed a consistent downward trend, improving from 378 on January 20 to 330 on January 21, and further easing to 322 on January 22. The Sub-Committee on GRAP noted that this improvement was largely driven by weather patterns favourable for pollutant dispersion, including higher wind speeds and occasional rainfall. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the “moderate” to “poor” range in the coming days, reducing the immediate risk of severe pollution episodes.
While Stage III restrictions have been lifted, the CAQM emphasised that all measures under Stages I and II of GRAP (November 2025 schedule) remain in force across Delhi-NCR. Authorities have been directed to implement, monitor, and rigorously review these measures to ensure that pollution levels do not rise again. Enforcement agencies have also been instructed to intensify vigilance under Stages I and II to prevent circumstances that could necessitate the re-imposition of Stage III restrictions.
Construction and demolition projects previously closed for statutory violations or non-compliance will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit clearance from the Commission. This ensures that the lifting of Stage III curbs does not translate into unchecked industrial or construction activity that could compromise air quality.
The Commission also issued a strong advisory for citizens to continue following the citizen charter under Stages I and II, noting that winter weather can fluctuate and adverse conditions may quickly lead to higher pollution levels. Public cooperation, the Sub-Committee stressed, remains critical to maintain air quality improvements achieved in recent days.
The Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the situation and review air quality data regularly. Decisions on future actions will be guided by real-time AQI updates, meteorological forecasts from IMD, and research data from IITM.
– global bihari bureau
