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Delhi Air Quality Improves: Stage III Restrictions Lifted
2 Jan
Summary
- Delhi's AQI dropped to 236 on January 2, 2026, easing pollution levels.
- Stage III pollution restrictions were revoked across Delhi-NCR.
- Stage I and II pollution control measures remain active and enforced.
Air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) saw a welcome improvement on January 2, 2026, with the AQI dropping to 236. This positive shift allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke all Stage III Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions throughout the NCR.
Key changes include the resumption of most construction projects, mining operations, and the easing of restrictions on older vehicles. Schools and offices, which had adopted hybrid or limited attendance models, can now return to normal operations. This decision offers relief to various sectors and daily commuters.
Despite the lifted Stage III measures, the CAQM stressed that Stage I and II restrictions remain active. These include stringent dust control, mechanized sweeping, waste burning bans, and enhanced vehicle emission checks. Agencies in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are tasked with monitoring these ongoing measures to prevent a relapse in air quality.
