Fri Jan 17 13:43:12 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Lifts Air Pollution Restrictions as Air Quality Improves
**New Delhi, India** – Delhi and its surrounding areas have lifted the Stage-III anti-pollution restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a significant improvement in air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the revocation on Saturday, citing an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 289 – below the Supreme Court’s threshold for implementing Stage-III measures.
The easing of restrictions means that BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are once again permitted entry into the Delhi-NCR region. A ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards has also been lifted. Other Stage-III measures, including restrictions on non-essential construction and a hybrid learning model for classes up to grade 5, have also been rescinded.
GRAP-III and IV restrictions were initially imposed on January 15th due to severely polluted air. However, recent rainfall and strong winds have led to a considerable drop in pollution levels, prompting the CAQM to first revoke GRAP-IV on Thursday and now GRAP-III. The panel explained that while GRAP-3 was maintained as a precaution initially, the improved air quality justified its removal.
Winter months typically see a deterioration in air quality in Delhi-NCR due to a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, and other local pollution sources. The CAQM continues to monitor air quality closely.
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