Authorities have lifted the stringent Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, a decision that experts are calling ‘illogical’ given that the region’s air quality index (AQI) remains in the ‘very poor’ category. This marks the 21st consecutive day the AQI has exceeded 300, a threshold indicating significant air pollution. The withdrawal of these measures allows construction activities and the operation of older diesel vehicles, specifically BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles, to resume.
The timing of this rollback is particularly questionable, as air quality forecasts predict the AQI will continue to hover in the ‘very poor’ range in the coming days. At the time of the announcement, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 327, a marginal improvement but still far from healthy levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) justified the decision by referencing a slight improvement over the last three days and the recent implementation of its revised, more stringent GRAP framework. However, this explanation has faced considerable backlash. Mukesh Khare, an air pollution expert from IIT Delhi, argued that the difference between AQI 320 and 350 is insignificant and that lifting Stage 3 restrictions during the critical November-January period is premature, especially without substantial environmental relief like rain. Environmental activist Vimlendu Jha expressed strong dissent, suggesting the CAQM should be dismantled due to continued poor air quality readings.
The immediate impact of lifting Stage 3 restrictions will be felt across the National Capital Region. Construction and demolition activities previously banned will now be allowed, as will the use of restricted BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Consequently, offices will no longer be required to operate under a 50% work-from-home policy, and schools will revert from hybrid to full in-person attendance. These measures were part of a recently updated GRAP framework designed to be more proactive in pollution control, a strategy also encouraged by the Supreme Court. The decision highlights a persistent gap between scientific assessments, public health needs, and administrative actions. Citizen groups had recently called for even more severe GRAP stages. Furthermore, ongoing concerns about the reliability of Delhi’s air monitoring system, with reports of missing data during peak pollution hours, cast a shadow over the decision-making process. Despite lifting Stage 3, the CAQM has directed agencies to intensify Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures to prevent air quality from worsening back into the ‘severe’ classification.