Delhi Air Quality Improves: GRAP-4 Restrictions Lifted as AQI Falls Below 'Severe' Threshold

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In a welcome respite for Delhi residents, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the stricter GRAP-4 restrictions in the national capital and its surrounding areas. This decision comes after a marginal improvement in the air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 378 on Tuesday, categorizing it as 'very poor'. The situation had taken a turn for the worse on Saturday, January 17, prompting the authorities to impose stricter curbs under GRAP-4. However, favorable meteorological conditions and an increase in wind speed led to a slight improvement in the AQI. According to officials, actions under GRAP-III and below will continue to remain in force. Despite this, experts predict that Delhi's average AQI will remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days. The CAQM has assured that it will closely monitor the air quality situation and make periodic reviews to take further decisions based on AQI levels and forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).