Delhi-NCR Air Quality Management Commission Lifts GRAP-IV Restrictions
The Air Quality Management Commission in Delhi-NCR has lifted the GRAP-IV restrictions following a notable improvement in air quality. The recent favorable weather conditions have contributed to this change, with the air quality index recorded at 271. However, the Commission has raised concerns about potential increases in pollution levels due to expected decreases in wind speed. While older vehicles can return to the roads, schools for grades 11 and below will continue to operate in a hybrid mode. The article provides insights into the current air quality status and the implications of these policy changes.
| Dec 24, 2025, 18:46 IST
Improvement in Air Quality Leads to Policy Changes
The Air Quality Management Commission in Delhi-NCR announced on Wednesday the removal of restrictions imposed under GRAP-IV, following an improvement in air quality over recent days. According to the Commission, favorable weather conditions and strong winds have significantly enhanced the air quality levels in Delhi since last night. On Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 271, categorized as 'poor'.
However, the Commission expressed new concerns, stating, "According to air quality forecasts from IMD/IITM, a decrease in wind speed in the coming days may lead to a rise in air quality levels in Delhi." It is important to note that GRAP-4 was implemented after the AQI exceeded 450 on December 13, indicating 'severe' air quality. Nonetheless, restrictions under GRAP 1 to 3 will remain in effect.
With the improvement in air quality, older vehicles that were previously removed from the roads due to GRAP-4 can now return to Delhi's streets. Additionally, the Delhi government has mandated that schools for grades 11 and below, except for grade 10, operate in a hybrid mode (both physical and online classes). According to CPCB data, the AQI in the national capital was 336 in the morning, down from 415 the previous day. Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 36 recorded an AQI in the 'very poor' category. The highest AQI of 392 was noted in Nehru Nagar, as per the CPCB's Sameer app.
Air quality is categorized as follows: 0 to 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 is 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 is 'moderate', 201 to 300 is 'poor', 301 to 400 is 'very poor', and 401 to 500 is 'severe'. Some areas in Delhi experienced reduced visibility due to fog and haze early in the morning. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 10.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.7 degrees higher than normal.