New Delhi, February 18 (IANS). Following continuous improvement in Delhi’s air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revoked Stage 2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
This decision was taken by the GRAP sub-committee after reviewing the latest air quality data and weather forecasts. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) on Wednesday was 214, putting it in the ‘poor’ category, but there is a clear decline in the pollution level.
Due to good weather conditions, the AQI improved from 261 recorded on February 16 to 249 on February 17 and 214 on February 18.
Based on estimates by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’ category in the coming days.
“In view of the improving trend in the average AQI of Delhi, the sub-committee unanimously decided to immediately cancel Stage 2 of the ongoing GRAPE in the entire NCR,” the commission said in a statement.
However, officials clarified that all measures under Stage 1 of the lockdown will remain in force. The implementing agencies in NCR have been directed to intensify and strictly enforce Stage 1 action to prevent any fresh deterioration in air quality.
Officials said the GRAPE mechanism, which sets graded restrictions based on pollution levels, had earlier implemented Stage 2 on October 19, 2025, when AQI levels showed an increasing trend.
The commission stressed that strict monitoring will continue, and agencies should maintain vigilance to ensure that pollution levels do not rise again. Citizens have also been advised to follow the guidelines under Stage 1 to help maintain recovery.
The sub-committee will keep a close watch on the air quality situation and review the situation from time to time for further decisions based on real-time data and projections.
–IANS
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