Delhi's Air Quality Fails to Improve Despite Strict Pollution Curbs

New Delhi's winter air quality has shown no consistent improvement over the past four years, despite the revision of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in 2022. An analysis reveals fluctuating air quality index (AQI) levels, with both mean and median AQI in the 2025-26 winter exceeding those recorded in 2022-23. The city experienced stringent GR stages for approximately 78% to 83% of observed days across the four winters. Specifically, Delhi recorded between 32 and 57 days under GR Stages III and IV annually. A closer examination of 12 instances where emergency measures were escalated showed that the mean AQI often increased in the week following the imposition of stricter curbs. For example, one episode on November 2, 2023, saw a 114-point AQI rise within a week. However, the analysis cautions that these trends do not definitively prove GR restrictions caused changes, as weather conditions also play a significant role and the GR measures themselves have evolved.

The GRAP, a 2017 framework substantially revised in 2022, is an emergency response mechanism. Experts suggest that long-term strategies should focus on reducing emissions at their source across the wider National Capital Region. GR should serve as a final defense, not the primary method for tackling pollution. The analysis advocates for action across various pollution sources rather than relying solely on temporary restrictions or concentrating efforts on limited sectors. Addressing the root causes of persistently high emissions is crucial, rather than only implementing measures once air quality deteriorates.