New Delhi, 3 February 2025: Restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR have been revoked following a decline in air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Monday.
The decision came after the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below 300 due to favorable meteorological conditions aiding pollutant dispersion.
Implemented during severe pollution levels (AQI 401-450), Stage 3 restrictions included a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and NCR districts, with exemptions for persons with disabilities.
Non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles meeting BS-IV or older emission standards were also prohibited.
Besides, essential construction work was allowed, while schools up to grade V were required to shift to a hybrid mode, offering students and parents the option of online education.
GRAP, designed to curb pollution in the region, classifies air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
The worsening winter air quality in Delhi-NCR is attributed to vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions.