Delhi's AQI Improves to 'Poor' as CAQM Lifts GRAP 4 Curbs After Severe Levels

Delhi's air quality has recently shown a significant improvement, moving from "severe" to "poor" on the Air Quality Index (AQI), currently standing at 271. This positive shift, largely due to high winds and favorable weather patterns, has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift the stringent GRAP Stage IV restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR). These restrictions, which included bans on construction and non-essential truck movement, were put in place after the AQI soared to hazardous levels, reaching as high as 415.

Despite this temporary relief, the long-term struggle with air pollution persists, with experts forecasting a return to "very poor" air quality in the coming days. The transport sector remains a significant contributor, accounting for nearly 15% of PM2.5 pollutants. In response, the Delhi government is continuing its "No PUC, No Fuel" policy, reinforcing checks at Pollution Under Control (PUC) centers, and planning four new automated testing stations for commercial vehicles. Penalties for non-compliant vehicles can be as high as ₹10,000.

Further efforts are underway to tackle pollution sources. The Delhi government has approved nearly ₹100 crore to restore about 160 water bodies and launched Delhi's first e-waste park in Holambi Kalan, designed for a zero-waste approach. While GRAP Stages I, II, and III measures remain active, the fluctuating air quality underscores the need for continuous action and vigilance. This ongoing environmental challenge significantly impacts public health, particularly for millions with respiratory issues, and influences daily life and urban planning in the region.