Delhi eases GRAP-III, strengthens Stage I-II measures.
Delhi lifts GRAP III restrictions; 50% work-from-home and hybrid school classes now ended, says Minister Manjinder Sirsa.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a significant shift in its approach to tackling Delhi’s persistent air pollution, revoking measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, while intensifying actions under Stage I and II. The decision comes as the air quality in the national capital shows gradual improvement, but experts warn that the situation remains fragile and requires careful monitoring.
In an official order, CAQM noted, “The AQI of Delhi has been improving over the past three days and has been recorded at 327 today. Further, forecasts from IMD and IITM predict that the AQI will remain in the very poor category in the coming days.” The sub-committee, after considering these figures, decided to revoke its earlier order of November 11, which had activated Stage III measures—normally implemented when the air quality reaches the ‘Severe’ level.
Stage III restrictions had been among the most stringent measures under the GRAP framework, including directives such as 50% work-from-home for government and private offices, hybrid schooling models for educational institutions, and suspension of certain construction activities. These measures had been designed to reduce vehicular emissions and outdoor pollution sources immediately, reflecting the urgency when pollution levels spike to alarming levels.
With the lifting of Stage III measures, the focus now shifts to reinforcing Stage I and II actions. CAQM’s order emphasizes that all concerned agencies must ensure the continued implementation of these measures to prevent the AQI from deteriorating into the Severe or Severe+ categories. Essentially, while the immediate restrictions are eased, vigilance and proactive interventions remain key.
Delhi’s worsening air quality over recent weeks had already led the city government to issue mandatory work-from-home directives for 50% of staff even in private offices. Traditionally, such measures had been advisory for private establishments, with the government mainly suggesting reduced office attendance. The new mandatory approach highlighted the severity of the pollution crisis and the government’s growing concern for public health.
Now, with the Stage III measures revoked, life in Delhi is expected to regain a sense of normalcy. Offices can operate fully, schools can resume regular classes, and construction activities can continue without the previous restrictions. However, experts caution that the city cannot afford complacency. Winter in Delhi often brings temperature inversions, which trap pollutants near the ground, and combined with crop burning in neighboring states, pollution levels can rise sharply within days.
Interestingly, the CAQM has also clarified a nuanced approach for future GRAP measures. Under the revised guidelines, Stage IV measures will be implemented during Stage III conditions, and Stage III measures will be activated during Stage II. This means that the authorities are effectively moving preventive steps forward, attempting to curb pollution before it escalates to emergency levels. Such an anticipatory approach is aimed at avoiding the drastic disruptions that Stage III and IV measures typically bring.
While the AQI remains in the very poor category, citizens are encouraged to continue wearing masks outdoors, limit non-essential travel, and use air purifiers at home where possible. Health advisories suggest that children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions remain especially cautious.
Overall, the CAQM’s revised strategy reflects a balance between addressing public health concerns and allowing the city’s daily life to function with minimal disruption. By focusing on proactive measures under Stage I and II, authorities hope to stabilize air quality trends and prevent sudden spikes that could trigger Stage III or IV measures again. Delhi, a city long grappling with smog and pollution, thus finds itself navigating between necessary restrictions and the urgent desire to keep life moving as normally as possible.
For the residents, the easing of Stage III measures is a welcome relief, but the message is clear: the air remains vulnerable, and sustained action—both governmental and individual—is essential to breathe easier in the days to come.