Delhi Lifts GRAP IV Restrictions as Air Quality Stays Very Poor
Delhi Lifts GRAP IV Restrictions as Air Quality Stays Very Poor
Delhi's air quality remains very poor even after GRAP IV curbs are revoked, with forecasts of light rain and ongoing monitoring.
Delhi’s air quality stayed in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday, with an AQI of 339 at 8 am, while shallow to moderate fog enveloped isolated parts of the city and the minimum temperature rose 0.2°C above normal to 7.7°C. The 24-hour average on Tuesday was 354, marking the month’s worst air streak since 2021 ended. The Commission for Air Quality Management revoked curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, while actions under Stage 1, 2 and 3 remain in force. The Air Quality Early Warning System bulletin said the AQI is likely to stay in the very poor category until Friday, with a six-day outlook suggesting it could range from very poor to poor.
The India Meteorological Department forecast cloudy skies for the day and issued a yellow alert for Friday, warning of possible very light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. The strong winds might continue even after Friday and into the weekend.
Temperature trends show a minimum around 9-11°C by Friday, followed by a drop to 6-8°C over the weekend. This fluctuation occurs as pollution controls ease slightly, but health advisories remain in place for vulnerable groups and residents are urged to stay informed on air quality updates.
Delhi-NCR’s apparent improvement led to the revocation of GRAP-IV restrictions, though authorities stressed that Stage I-III measures still operate to curb emissions. The move provides some relief from stringent controls while maintaining a framework to address ongoing pollution, reflecting a cautious balance between air quality management and public concern. For now, forecasters warn that the air may bounce between very poor and poor status over the next several days, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and timely advisories.
