Delhi-NCR Gets Pollution Relief as GRAP-III Restrictions Lifted

Brief By Newsbrief / 5:59 PM on 02 Jan 2026

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Delhi and the National Capital Region received significant relief from severe air pollution on Thursday after a noticeable improvement in air quality prompted authorities to lift Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision was taken after pollution levels dropped sharply within 24 hours, offering respite to residents who had been facing hazardous conditions.

According to official data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at a worrying 380 a day earlier, improved considerably and fell to 236 by 4 pm on January 2. Observing this positive trend, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the immediate withdrawal of all Stage-III restrictions across the entire NCR region. These curbs had earlier imposed strict controls on construction activities, industrial operations, and vehicle usage to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

However, authorities clarified that pollution control efforts will continue. Measures under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP will remain in force to ensure that pollution levels do not spike again. Officials attributed the improvement in air quality to favorable meteorological conditions, including better wind speed and dispersion, which helped dilute pollutants.

CAQM stated that air quality will be closely monitored in the coming days, and stricter measures may be reintroduced if pollution levels worsen. Residents have been advised to remain cautious and follow environmental guidelines to sustain the improvement.