Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Poor’ Again as GRAP Restrictions are Relaxed

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated once again, reaching the “poor” category at 7 am on December 12. This decline comes after a moderate air quality level was recorded over the past 24 hours, with a reading taken at 4 pm on December 11. Unfortunately, the city has been struggling with severe air pollution for the past month.
The average air quality of Delhi as per the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) AQI index was 259 and has been categorised as ‘poor’.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s air quality levels were recorded at 274 in Punjabi Bagh, 282 in Rohini, and 289 in RK Puram. Other areas such as Major Dhyan Chand Station reported an AQI of 245, Najafgarh recorded 224, Nehru Nagar had 310, and North Campus, DU, had 206.
Delhi’s Air Quality improved to moderate at 4pm on Wednesday after it remained in the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday morning.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the stringent GRAP Stage IV and III restrictions in Delhi-NCR, following the Supreme Court’s permission to relax these restrictions to GRAP Stage II. This decision comes after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR showed significant improvement, with the average AQI reading dropping to 165, categorized as ‘moderate’.
As a result, several restrictions imposed under Stage 4 have been lifted, including the ban on diesel-run medium and heavy vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi, except those carrying essential goods. However, restrictions under GRAP Stage II will remain in force, including a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries.
The CAQM will continue to monitor the air quality and may reinstate stricter measures if the AQI levels deteriorate. Citizens are advised to strictly adhere to the citizen charter and take necessary precautions to minimize pollution.