The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) relaxed limits under Stages III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday, citing sustained improvements in the Capital’s air quality index (AQI). However, measures under GRAP Stages I and II will continue.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court permitted the CAQM to reduce draconian GRAP IV constraints to Stage II, which includes less stringent restrictions such as a prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in industry and commercial places, including restaurants. On Thursday, Delhi inhaled cleaner air for the second consecutive day, with an AQI of 165, putting it in the moderate category.
The CAQM’s order stated that the AQI in Delhi has improved since November 24th, 2024, reaching 165 (‘moderate’) on December 5th, 2024 at 4 pm. The IMD/IITM forecast predicts that the AQI will remain in the ‘bad’ category in the following days.
While the Education Department declared the resumption of all physical lessons in all educational institutions, strict measures such as a prohibition on the use of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles have been lifted.
Furthermore, the CAQM stated in its order that all construction and demolition project sites, as well as industrial units, that have received closure orders, are unable to restart activities.