Fri Jan 17 07:03:30 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Lifts Strictest Air Quality Restrictions After Rainfall Improves Air

**New Delhi, January 17** – Delhi has lifted the strictest stage of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a spell of rain and strong winds that significantly improved the city’s air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage 4 of GRAP on Thursday, a day after imposing it due to a sudden deterioration in air quality.

Overnight rainfall, totaling 3.9mm at the Safdarjung weather station, and strong surface winds dispersed pollutants, leading to a drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) from a “severe” 400 on Wednesday evening to a “very poor” 302 by Thursday afternoon. The AQI further improved to “poor” (288) by 8 pm.

While Stage 4 restrictions, including truck entry bans and limitations on construction, have been lifted, Stage 3 measures remain in effect. CAQM officials cited the possibility of AQI fluctuations and maintained that the less stringent restrictions are necessary as a precaution. The Supreme Court mandated the revised thresholds for GRAP stages in December 2024.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the improved air quality to a western disturbance, forecasting another one to impact the region from January 18, with potential for light rainfall on January 21. However, an orange alert has been issued for dense to very dense fog on Friday and Saturday. Despite the improvement, the IMD’s Early Warning System predicts “very poor” AQI will continue until Sunday. The minimum temperature in Delhi rose to 10.3°C on Thursday due to overcast skies, but is expected to dip to 6°C by January 19 before rising again with the next western disturbance.

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