Delhi AQI today: GRAP-3 restrictions revoked as national capital breathes easy

The Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) revoked its January 9, 2025, orders enforcing GRAP-III restrictions with immediate effect, following an improvement in air quality in Delhi.

Stage-III measures, implemented when air quality reaches the ‘Severe’ category, include bans on industrial activities, construction, and stricter curbs on vehicles.

According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the air quality at 9 am was in 'poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 284.


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An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.'

However, lower-stage measures under GRAP will remain in place to prevent a resurgence in pollution.

What was restricted under GRAP 3

GRAP Stage 3, which was invoked last Thursday, entails several restrictions.

• A ban on non-essential construction work.Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3.
• Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
• Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts.
• Persons with disabilities are exempt.Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.