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Delhi Air Curbs Lifted as Pollution Levels Drop Significantly
2 Jan
Summary
- Stage III pollution curbs were revoked across Delhi-NCR by CAQM.
- This decision followed a sustained improvement in air quality indicators.
- Outdoor sports were previously halted due to severe air pollution risks.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), signaling a significant improvement in air quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision was made on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with immediate effect, allowing for the relaxation of pollution control measures. The revocation follows earlier lifting of Stage IV curbs, indicating a sustained positive trend in air quality indicators.
Previously, the CAQM had taken stringent measures, including ordering a halt to all outdoor sports activities in Delhi-NCR earlier in December 2025. This action was prompted by the severe deterioration of air quality, which posed a serious health risk, especially to children. The decision to lift Stage III curbs was based on a review of current air quality and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
The Graded Response Action Plan, established in 2017 following a Supreme Court order, mandates a series of actions triggered automatically based on Air Quality Index (AQI) categories. While Stage III is now revoked, measures under Stages I, II, and III will continue to be enforced as per the modified GRAP schedule issued on November 21, 2025. Implementing agencies were previously directed to intensify actions under Stages II and III to prevent any backslide in air quality.
