Delhi Air Pollution: CAQM lifts GRAP Stage-IV curbs; restrictions under other stages to remain

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of the stringent Stage-IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi NCR and adjoining areas, citing an improvement in air quality levels.

However, the body clarified that preventive and regulatory actions under Stages I, II and III of GRAP will continue to remain in force and must be implemented strictly as per the modified framework notified on November 21, 2025.

The decision revokes the Commission’s earlier orders issued on December 13, 2025, which had enforced the toughest restrictions after the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the ‘severe+’ threshold of 450.


Delhi steps up anti-pollution monitoring

Even as emergency restrictions are eased, the Delhi government is intensifying its on-ground pollution control efforts. The Public Works Department (PWD) will now prepare daily performance reports of its fleet of 200 anti-smog guns deployed across the capital to strengthen dust and pollution control, officials said on Wednesday.

Under the initiative, the machines will operate in eight-hour shifts across all 11 city zones, while a new real-time monitoring system is being introduced to track water mist spraying and operational efficiency.

A senior PWD told PTI that the department has floated a tender to establish a digital monitoring platform capable of verifying actual spray activity, ensuring accountability and optimising water usage.

The PWD is also required to submit a weekly consolidated performance report, detailing faulty vehicles, total spraying hours, distance covered on PWD roads, zone-wise coverage and route maps.

Despite recent improvements, air quality remains fragile. Delhi’s AQI on Wednesday morning stood at 336, categorised as ‘very poor’, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).