Delhi Lifts Air Pollution Curbs as Air Quality Improves to 'Poor' Category
Delhi lifts construction and vehicle restrictions as air quality moves from 'Severe' to 'Poor'.
Photo by David Kristianto
Delhi's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III restrictions, including the ban on construction and demolition activities and the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. This decision comes as the air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) improved from the 'Severe' to the 'Poor' category.
The CAQM noted that the average Air Quality Index (AQI) had significantly improved, dropping from 380 on Thursday to 280 on Friday. While the lifting of restrictions offers some relief, the continuous monitoring by CAQM and the implementation of GRAP stages underscore the persistent challenge of air pollution in Delhi and the need for long-term sustainable solutions beyond emergency measures.
Key Facts
CAQM lifted GRAP Stage-III restrictions in Delhi-NCR
Restrictions included ban on construction/demolition and BS-III petrol/BS-IV diesel vehicles
Air quality improved from 'Severe' to 'Poor' category
Average AQI dropped from 380 (Thursday) to 280 (Friday)
UPSC Exam Angles
Environmental governance and institutions (CAQM, CPCB)
Air pollution control policies and mechanisms (GRAP, NCAP)
Impact of environmental policies on economy and society
Sustainable development goals and urban planning
Inter-state cooperation in environmental management
Visual Insights
Delhi's Air Quality Improvement & GRAP Response (Jan 2026)
This dashboard highlights the immediate change in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) that led to the lifting of GRAP Stage III restrictions, as reported in January 2026.
- Previous AQI (Thursday)
- 380
- Current AQI (Friday)
- 280-100
- AQI Category Change
- Severe to Poor
- GRAP Stage Lifted
- Stage III
This 'Severe' AQI level triggered GRAP Stage III restrictions.
An improvement to the 'Poor' category, leading to the lifting of Stage III.
This shift in category is the primary trigger for CAQM's decision.
Restrictions on construction/demolition and specific vehicle types were eased.
GRAP Stages and Key Actions (Relevant to News)
This table outlines the key restrictions associated with different GRAP stages, focusing on those mentioned in the news (Stage III) and providing context for other stages.
| AQI Category | AQI Range | Key Actions (Examples) | Status (Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe+ | >450 | Ban on entry of all trucks (except essential), Closure of schools/colleges, Odd-Even scheme | INACTIVE |
| Severe | 401-450 | Ban on construction/demolition (except essential), Ban on entry of BS-III petrol & BS-IV diesel vehicles, Closure of brick kilns | LIFTED |
| Very Poor | 301-400 | Ban on diesel generator sets (except essential), Increased parking fees, Promote public transport | ACTIVE |
| Poor | 201-300 | Stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, Ban on firecrackers, Regular sweeping/watering of roads | ACTIVE |
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): 1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented only in the National Capital Region (NCR) to combat severe air pollution. 3. GRAP stages are primarily triggered based on the forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) levels rather than real-time data alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is incorrect. While GRAP is primarily implemented in NCR, the framework can be adapted or extended, and it's a framework for emergency measures, not exclusively for NCR in principle. The word 'only' makes it incorrect. Statement 3 is correct. GRAP stages are triggered based on both real-time AQI and forecasted AQI to allow for proactive measures.
2. With reference to the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Poor' category in the AQI indicates that sensitive people may experience respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. 2. The AQI system in India monitors eight key pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). 3. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) provides location-specific information on air quality and weather, complementing the national AQI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'Poor' category indicates that people with heart/lung diseases, the elderly, and children may experience breathing discomfort, and most people may experience breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure. 'Moderate' category is where sensitive people may experience respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Statement 2 is correct. The AQI in India monitors eight pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). Statement 3 is correct. SAFAR is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide location-specific information on air quality and weather, which complements the broader AQI system.
3. Which of the following is NOT a primary objective or strategy under India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
- A.Achieving a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 compared to 2017 levels.
- B.Implementing a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as a core long-term strategy across all non-attainment cities.
- C.Augmenting the national air quality monitoring network and strengthening scientific and technical capabilities.
- D.Promoting inter-state and inter-ministerial coordination for effective implementation of air pollution control measures.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement A is a primary objective of NCAP. Statement C and D are key strategies under NCAP. Statement B is incorrect. While GRAP is an important emergency measure for air pollution, it is primarily focused on the NCR and is a reactive, short-term measure. NCAP focuses on comprehensive, long-term, and sustained strategies across 131 non-attainment cities, which include city-specific action plans, but GRAP itself is not a 'core long-term strategy across all non-attainment cities' under NCAP's direct mandate, rather it's a distinct emergency response mechanism.
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