The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the centre’s pollution watchdog, on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) revoked curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the capital witnessed an improvement in airquality.
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The improvement in air quality was attributed to favourable meteorological conditions and an increase in wind speed, it said.
In an order, the CAQM said that actions under Stage 1, 2 and 3 of the revised GRAP will, however, remain in force.
Delhi’s 3-day ‘severe’ AQI streak ends
The stricter curbs under GRAP-4 were imposed in the capital and neighbouring areas on Saturday (January 17) after the air quality entered “severe” category.
“While GRAP Stage-4 is being revoked, keeping in view the winter season when weather conditions may not be always favourable and in order to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-1, 2 & 3,” the order said.
GRAP-4 curbs were revoked after AQI was recorded as 378 (‘Very Poor’)
“Owing to favourable meteorological conditions and an increase in wind speed, the AQI of Delhi has shown improvement and was recorded as 378 (‘Very Poor’) on 20.01.2026. Further, IMD/IITM forecasts indicate that the AQI of Delhi is likely to remain in this range in the coming days,” a statement of the central agency said.
“In view of the above, the Sub-Committee has decided to revoke with immediate effect its order dated 17.01.2026 invoking actions under Stage IV (‘Severe+’ Category, AQI > 450) of the extant GRAP,” the statement added.
However, curbs under GRAP-III and below will continue to remain in force. Delhi’s average AQI is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category in the coming days, as per weather forecasters and meteorological experts.
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“The Sub-Committee shall continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically for further appropriate decisions based on AQI levels and forecasts issued by IMD/IITM,” the statement added. |
