On November 28th, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) as 312, according to its daily AQI Bulletin. Taking note of the considerable enhancement in Delhi-NCR’s average air quality, the Sub-Committee responsible for implementing actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened a meeting. The purpose was to evaluate the current air quality status in the region, alongside forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality indexes provided by IMD/IITM. This meeting aimed to deliberate on the stringent measures under Stage-III of GRAP, which had been effective across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since November 2, 2023.
Upon comprehensive scrutiny of Delhi-NCR’s air quality parameters, the Sub-Committee noted that on November 27th, Delhi’s average AQI had reached 395. However, there had been a gradual improvement since late evening on November 27, 2023. Moreover, the air quality forecasts by IMD/IITM did not indicate an impending shift to the ‘Severe’ category in the upcoming days.
Considering the disruptive impact of Stage-III restrictions on numerous stakeholders and the public, alongside the substantial improvement in Delhi-NCR’s average AQI, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to retract Stage-III of the revised GRAP across the entire NCR immediately. However, actions specified under Stages-I to Stage-II of GRAP would persist, intensify, and undergo stringent monitoring and review by all relevant agencies in NCR. This collective effort aimed to prevent any further decline in AQI levels that might lead to the ‘Severe’ category.
Earlier, the Sub-Committee had initiated actions under various GRAP stages on October 6, 2023 (Stage-I), October 21, 2023 (Stage-II), November 2, 2023 (Stage-III), and November 5, 2023 (Stage-IV). Subsequently, during a review meeting on November 18, 2023, Stage-IV actions (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) were revoked, considering the improvement in Delhi’s average AQI and subsequent air quality forecasts.
The Sub-Committee’s review noted that Delhi’s overall AQI had declined from 395 recorded on November 27, 2023, at 4 PM to 312 on the current day at 4 PM, which is 83 AQI points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage-III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450). However, preventive, mitigative, and restrictive actions under all Stages up to Stage-III remain in progress as Delhi’s overall AQI is expected to persist in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the foreseeable future, as per available forecasts.
The Commission reiterates its call to all responsible agencies for implementing actions listed under Stages-I & II of GRAP and urges citizens and residents to strictly adhere to the provisions/ charter of GRAP under Stage-I and Stage-II. This concerted effort aims to avoid the necessity of reimposing Stage-III of GRAP in NCR.
The Sub-Committee pledges to closely monitor the air quality scenario and will take appropriate decisions based on recorded air quality and forecasts by IMD/IITM. The revised GRAP schedule is accessible on the Commission’s website.