Delhi Sees Significant Improvement In Air Quality After Recent Rainfall, Stage-III Restrictions Lifted

Delhi's air quality saw a notable improvement on Sunday after rainfall, leading to the removal of Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The rain helped reduce pollution levels, thanks to favourable weather conditions. The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 278, which is below the threshold for Stage-III measures that include halting non-essential construction.

The recent light rain in Delhi was due to a Western Disturbance, a weather system originating from the Mediterranean that brings winter precipitation to northwest India. This significantly enhanced the city's air quality. As of 4 PM on Sunday, Delhi's AQI was 278, which is 72 points lower than the level required for Stage-III restrictions.

Impact on Schools and Transportation

With improved air quality, schools in Delhi operating in hybrid mode might consider ending online classes. Parents and students can still opt for online education if available. Classes up to grade V had shifted to hybrid mode under Stage 3 guidelines. The authorities have forecasted another Western Disturbance around January 14th-15th, 2025.

"Owing to a WD (Western Disturbance) on 11th-12th January 2025, there were rains around Delhi-NCR and the AQI of Delhi has shown a significant improvement owing to the favourable meteorological conditions. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 278 at 4:00 PM today which is 72 points below the 350 mark to implement the Stage-III as per the extant directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Further, the forecast by IMD predicts another WD (Western Disturbance) in the region around 14th-15th January 2025," a statement released by the authorities read.

Revised Air Quality Management Measures

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and nearby areas issued a revised GRAP schedule following Supreme Court directions. This order was dated December 13th, 2024, and is available on their website caqm.nic.in. Under Stage 3 rules, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars face restrictions in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts.

Persons with disabilities are exempt from these vehicle restrictions. Additionally, non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards are banned in Delhi under Stage 3 regulations.

Understanding GRAP Stages

During winter months, GRAP enforces various restrictions based on air quality levels in Delhi-NCR. These stages are defined as follows: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Delhi-NCR often experiences hazardous air quality during winters due to unfavourable weather conditions combined with emissions from vehicles and local pollution sources like paddy-straw burning and firecrackers.