This improvement in air quality since Saturday led CAQM to lift Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after just three days of enacting it. The city's air quality index improved to 161 (moderate) from Saturday's 203 (poor). Gwalpahari recorded the highest AQI of 236 g/m³ (poor), followed by Teri Gram (154 g/m³), Sector-51 (130 g/m³) Vikas Sadan at 125 g/m³.
According to CPCB guidelines, 'poor' AQI can cause breathing difficulties during prolonged exposure, while 'moderate' AQI can trigger respiratory discomfort in individuals with asthma or cardiopulmonary conditions. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar), the city is to experience 'very poor' and 'poor' air quality for the next three days due to unfavourable dispersion conditions.
Safar stated, "Surface winds from the north will likely prevail at speeds under 4kmph during morning hours. Whilst northwest winds may pick up to 4-6kmph in the afternoon, they will drop by evening. Moderate fog or smog is expected in most areas, with isolated dense fog in the mornings and clear skies expected until Jan 15."
This improvement in air quality since Saturday led CAQM to lift Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after just three days of enacting it. "With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of another WD in the region around Jan 14-15, 2025, and considering the trend of improvement in the average AQI of Delhi, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP today unanimously decided to revoke all actions under Stage-III of the revised GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect," stated the CAQM.
However, the CAQM emphasised that Stage-II and Stage-I restrictions would remain in place to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
