The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.
“Observing a downward trend in the AQI levels of Delhi on 27.12.2024, the Sub-Committee on GRAP further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and observed as under,” the statement read.
Measures under stages 1 and 2 will remain in force to manage pollution levels.
The Supreme Court, in its WP(C) No. 13029 of 1985 regarding MC Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors. on December 5, 2024, directed the Commission: “…we must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Stage-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced…”
This directive was reinforced in Court Orders dated December 12, 2024, and December 19, 2024.
Following these directives, when Delhi’s AQI exceeded 350 and reached 401 at 10 pm on December 16, 2024, the GRAP Sub-Committee implemented Stages III & IV through orders dated December 16, 2024. Subsequently, Stage IV was withdrawn on December 24, 2024, as air quality improved.
Currently, Stages I, II and III of the revised GRAP remain active through orders dated October 14, 2024, October 21, 2024, and December 16, 2024, respectively.
The GRAP Sub-Committee reviewed the regional air quality situation and IMD/IITM forecasts on December 27, 2024, noting Delhi’s declining AQI levels.
