Delhi pollution: GRAP-4 curbs lifted as AQI remains ‘very poor’; Stages I–III to continue

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday withdrew Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, even as air quality in several parts of the capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that air quality levels continued to remain alarming, with monitoring stations at ITO and India Gate recording AQI readings above 350, highlighting persistent pollution concerns.

The CAQM said the decision involved the revocation of its earlier order dated December 13, 2025, under which Stage IV measures had been triggered in response to worsening air quality.

GRAP Stage IV comes into force when the Air Quality Index crosses 450, placing the region in the ‘severe+’ pollution category.

While easing the strictest curbs, the commission clarified that Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III measures will continue to remain in force and will be implemented in line with the modified GRAP framework notified on November 21, 2025.

The rollback of Stage IV restrictions came just hours after the Delhi High Court directed the GST Council to convene at the earliest to examine the issue of high GST on air purifiers amid deteriorating air quality levels.

During the hearing, the court questioned the Centre over the 18% GST on air purifiers, observing that the worsening pollution situation demanded urgent policy attention.

The bench also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in addressing the matter, stating that every citizen has a fundamental right to breathe clean air.

Earlier, Stage IV measures had been imposed across Delhi-NCR to curb a sharp spike in pollution levels. These curbs did not amount to a blanket ban on private vehicles but were enforced based on fuel type and emission standards.

Under the restrictions, vehicles meeting prescribed emission norms were allowed to operate, while older vehicles faced stricter limitations. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, barring those providing essential services, were prohibited from plying in the region during the Stage IV period.