In light of improving air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the restrictions imposed on the region. According to the latest update, the air quality index (AQI) has shown positive trends, with the AQI recorded at 339 at 4 p.m. and 335 at 5 p.m. The India Meteorological Department’s forecast suggests that the AQI is expected to continue improving in the coming days. However, it is still anticipated that Delhi’s AQI will remain in the ‘poor’ category.
The CAQM’s sub-committee met to discuss the changes and decided to ease certain restrictions, except for the ban on non-essential construction activities. The restriction on non-essential construction and demolition work, imposed due to non-compliance with environmental rules, will remain in effect unless a specific order allows for resumption.
The committee emphasized that while Stage I and II measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will remain in place, people should still adhere to the GRAP-II restrictions, as the weather conditions during winter can fluctuate. The committee will continue to monitor the air quality closely and make further decisions based on the situation.
Some restrictions that have been lifted include:
- The end of the ban on non-essential construction work under GRAP-3.
- The suspension of hybrid mode classes for students above grade 5.
- Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, which are no longer in place, except for those used by persons with disabilities.
- The ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi has been lifted.
Despite these changes, the CAQM has stressed that the situation will remain under close observation, and restrictions could be reintroduced if air quality deteriorates again.
