Delhi News: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stag-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, following improvements in air quality. However, measures under Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain in force to manage pollution levels in the region.
An order issued on December 27, 2024, by the CAQM stated, “The Commission, as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court directions dated 25.11.2024 and 05.12.2024, comprehensively revised the schedule of GRAP and submitted it to the Supreme Court on 12.12.2024. The revised schedule was issued on 13.12.2024 for immediate implementation.”
The Supreme Court had previously directed the CAQM to implement Stage-III measures if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 350 as a precautionary measure. If the AQI crossed 400 on any given day, Stage-IV measures were to be reintroduced. This directive was reiterated in subsequent orders issued by the court on December 12 and 19, 2024.
When the AQI of Delhi breached the 350 mark and reached 401 at 10 pm on December 16, 2024, Stage-III and Stage-IV measures were invoked by the Sub-Committee on GRAP. However, with the improvement in air quality, Stage-IV was revoked on December 24, 2024. As of December 27, 2024, Stage I, II, and III of the revised GRAP schedule remain in effect.
The CAQM noted a downward trend in the AQI levels, prompting the Sub-Committee to review the air quality scenario and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM.
“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,” the order stated.
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Delhi News: Pollution Levels Improve Amid Rains
Rainfall in Delhi-NCR has been attributed as a cause for helping reduce the pollution levels. The rains, however, prompted the IMD to issue an ‘orange’ warning. The rain, which started around 2:30 am on December 27, 2024, caused disruptions in many parts of south, central, and north Delhi. According to the IMD, the rain was the result of an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds, leading to light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms over northwest and central India, including Delhi-NCR.
By 11:30 am, rainfall data showed varying amounts across different locations in Delhi, with the Safdarjung station recording 9.1 mm, Palam 8.4 mm, and Lodhi Road 10.8 mm. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 11°C, 2.8 degrees above normal.
