Fri Jan 17 06:14:54 UTC 2025: **Delhi Lifts Severe Air Pollution Restrictions**
**New Delhi, January 17, 2025** – The Delhi-NCR region has lifted the strictest level of air pollution restrictions, as pollution levels have decreased. A Centre panel revoked Stage 4 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday, following a drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Stage 4 restrictions, implemented on Wednesday, included a ban on construction, the entry of non-essential trucks, and a shift to hybrid schooling for all but classes 10 and 12. These measures were enacted in response to calm winds, low temperatures, and fog, which trapped pollutants and caused the AQI to reach 396 on Wednesday evening.
The GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages based on AQI levels: Stage 1 (Poor, 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, above 450). Winter months typically see a spike in Delhi’s pollution due to unfavorable weather, vehicle emissions, crop burning, and other factors.
First Piper 