Delhi Air Quality Improves, Stage 3 Restrictions Lifted

The Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted Stage 3 restrictions in Delhi following a significant improvement in air quality, with the AQI dropping from 380 to 236. However, the air quality remains in the 'poor' category, and forecasts indicate continued challenges ahead. The article explores the current air quality situation in Delhi and neighboring cities, detailing the measures in place and the factors contributing to pollution levels. Read on for a comprehensive overview of the air quality management efforts in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 3, 2026, 08:21 IST

Air Quality Management Commission Takes Action

On Friday, the Commission for Air Quality Management announced the lifting of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the National Capital Region, following a notable improvement in air quality.

The commission reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped significantly to 236 on Friday, down from 380 the previous day.

As of Saturday morning, the air quality was still categorized as 'poor,' with the Sameer application recording an average AQI of 228 at 7:05 AM.

GRAP consists of a series of escalating anti-pollution measures that are activated to mitigate further deterioration of air quality once it surpasses a specific threshold in the Delhi-NCR area. Established in 2020, the commission aims to tackle pollution in the NCR and surrounding regions.

Despite the lifting of Stage 3 restrictions, all measures under Stage 1 and Stage 2 remain in effect.

Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest that air quality will continue to be in the 'poor to very poor' range in the upcoming days.

Stage 3 restrictions had been in place since December 24, when Stage 4 measures were lifted.

These Stage 3 measures included prohibiting non-essential construction activities and halting operations of stone crushers and mining, in addition to existing restrictions from Stages 1 and 2.

Additionally, primary schools up to Class 5 were shifted to a hybrid learning model, allowing parents and students to choose between offline and online classes where available.

Air Quality in NCR Cities

On Saturday, neighboring cities around the capital also reported better air quality compared to the previous week. Noida recorded an AQI of 203, Greater Noida at 198, Ghaziabad at 227, and Gurugram at 202.

An AQI value between 101 and 200 indicates 'moderate' air quality. As conditions worsen, the index value rises. An AQI of 201 to 300 signifies 'poor' air quality, while values between 301 and 400 indicate 'very poor' conditions.

Since mid-October, Delhi and its surrounding areas have consistently experienced air quality classified as 'poor' or worse.

During winter, air quality in Delhi deteriorates sharply, often ranking it as the world's most polluted capital. Contributing factors include stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, vehicular emissions, firecracker usage during Diwali, lower temperatures, reduced wind speeds, and pollution from industries and coal-fired power plants.