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Delhi Avoids Stricter Curbs as Air Quality Improves Slightly
9 Nov
Summary
- Delhi air quality in "very poor" category, but improving
- No need to invoke Stage 3 restrictions under GRAP
- Classes up to grade V to shift to hybrid mode
As of November 9th, 2025, the air quality in Delhi has shown a slight improvement, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to decide against invoking stricter curbs under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for now.
The CAQM's sub-committee on GRAP met in the evening to review the air quality situation after Delhi's daily average AQI remained at the higher end of the "very poor" category in the morning. However, the hourly average AQI improved from 391 at 10 am to 370 by 4 pm and further to 365 at 5 pm. Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) also indicated that the overall air quality is likely to stay in the "very poor" category in the coming days.
Considering the improvement trend and forecasts, the sub-committee decided that there was no need to invoke Stage 3 restrictions of GRAP at present, and the ongoing measures under Stages 1 and 2 will continue in the National Capital Region. The panel stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will review the air quality scenario as required.
Under Stage 3, classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode, and the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. However, with the current air quality situation, these stricter measures will not be implemented for now.
