Stage IV GRAP Revoked Across NCR; AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) today revoked all Stage IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect, citing sustained improvement in air quality and favourable forecast trends.
The decision was taken by the Sub-Committee on GRAP after reviewing the latest air quality data and meteorological forecasts. Stage IV restrictions had been imposed on January 17 following a sharp spike in Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI).
According to the daily AQI bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI showed steady improvement over the past few days, declining from 440 on January 18 to 410 on January 19 and further to 378 later the same day. While the AQI remains in the ‘Very Poor’ category, the Sub-Committee noted a consistent downward trend.
The review meeting also considered forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which indicated that favourable meteorological conditions—particularly increased wind speed—have contributed to the improvement in air quality. Projections suggest that AQI levels are likely to remain within the ‘Very Poor’ range in the coming days.
Taking into account the improving air quality, forecast trends and the disruptive impact of Stage IV restrictions on a large number of stakeholders and the general public, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage IV of the extant GRAP across the entire NCR with immediate effect.
However, the Commission clarified that actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III will continue to remain in force. All concerned agencies across the NCR have been directed to strictly implement and further intensify measures prescribed under these stages to ensure that AQI levels do not deteriorate and to avoid the need for re-imposition of Stage IV restrictions.
The CAQM also reiterated that construction and demolition project sites and other establishments that have been issued specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliance with statutory directions, rules or guidelines will not be permitted to resume operations under any circumstances without an explicit order from the Commission.
Citizens have been urged to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stages I, II and III, particularly during the winter season when meteorological conditions may not always remain favourable.
The Sub-Committee said it would continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically, taking further decisions as required based on AQI levels and meteorological and air quality forecasts provided by the IMD and IITM.
– global bihari bureau
