Delhi residents woke up to clearer skies and better air on Thursday. Pollution levels dropped sharply after days of heavy smog. The improvement came a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted strict anti-pollution curbs under GRAP-IV.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 221, which falls in the poor category. Several areas recorded moderate air quality. This marked a rare improvement after weeks of very poor and severe pollution levels.
What Is Delhi’s AQI Today?
As per early morning readings, some parts of Delhi-NCR showed encouraging numbers. Areas that earlier struggled with toxic air moved into the moderate category.
AQI levels are classified as:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
The shift to moderate levels brought relief to residents, especially those with breathing problems.
Why Were GRAP-IV Restrictions Removed?
Authorities imposed Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on December 13 when AQI crossed the 400 mark. Dense smog covered the city for days, forcing strict restrictions.
However, air quality improved sharply on Wednesday. The city’s average AQI dropped to 271 from 412 in less than 24 hours. This improvement led CAQM to withdraw GRAP-IV curbs.
Despite this, GRAP Stages I, II, and III remain in force to prevent another pollution spike.
Fog Warning Still in Place
While pollution levels dropped, weather conditions remain challenging. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fog warning for Thursday morning.
The forecast warned of dense to very dense fog in Delhi and the surrounding regions. Poor visibility could affect road, rail, and flight movement during the early hours.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Experts caution that the relief may not last long. Winter conditions and calm winds could push pollution levels higher again.
Forecasts suggest Delhi’s AQI may fluctuate between poor and very poor in the coming days. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity during peak pollution hours.
The improvement brings short-term comfort, but pollution remains a concern. Authorities continue monitoring air quality closely to avoid another emergency in the capital.