Delhi Lifts GRAP IV Restrictions: Find Out What Activities Are Now Permitted

Air quality in the national capital region has improved. This has led to the relaxation of pollution restrictions in Delhi and nearby districts. The decision was announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), responsible for monitoring and controlling air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas.

The Delhi government has revoked Stage IV and Stage III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR with immediate effect.

Improved Air Quality in Delhi

Delhi air quality has improved a lot in the recent days, with the AQI recorded at 165 on December 5, falling in the "moderate" category. Following the national capital's air quality index values falling below 300, the Supreme Court earlier today permitted the pollution control board to loosen strict GRAP-4 limitations.

Some Limitations are Still There

However, under Stage 2 of the GRAP, limitations like the prohibition on using diesel generator sets, apart from emergency and essential services, and coal and firewood, including tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, are still in effect in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The ruling follows the Supreme Court's earlier decision to loosen strict GRAP-4 regulations after the national capital's air quality index fell below 300.

What does AQI Level Means?

An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 0-50 is considered "good," 51-100 is "satisfactory," 101-200 is "moderate," 201-300 is "poor," 301-400 is "very poor," and 401-500 is classified as "severe."

Reason for this Improvement

Delhi's air quality started worsening on October 30, entering the "very poor" category. For the next 15 days, the AQI stayed consistently above 300, indicating "very poor" air. In the second half of November, the pollution levels worsened, with AQI readings crossing 400, marking "severe" air quality.

With the arrival of December, strong winds helped improve the air quality. By December 1, the AQI shifted to the "poor" category and continued to improve further.

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