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Delhi Smog Eases: GRAP Stage-III Revoked in NCR

CAQM Revokes Stage-III Actions of GRAP in NCR Following Improvement in Delhi’s AQI

A man wearing a light blue short-sleeved shirt, black cap, and N95 mask walks along a wide, empty road in Delhi, India, amid dense winter smog that reduces visibility. Streetlights glow in the hazy background, with a few pedestrians and cyclists visible in the fog-shrouded street, highlighting severe air pollution conditions.
A pedestrian navigates Delhi’s polluted streets wearing a mask amid ongoing air quality challenges, as authorities monitor improvements in the National Capital Region on November 27, 2025.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked all preventive and restrictive measures under Stage-III of the current Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect. This decision follows a consistent decline in Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) over the past few days.

Decline in Delhi’s AQI

According to the AQI Bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s daily average AQI recorded 391 on 23rd November, 382 on 24th November, 353 on 25th November, and 327 on 27th November. Observing this downward trend, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP convened today to review the current air quality situation and examine forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Decision to Revoke Stage-III Measures

The Sub-Committee decided to revoke Stage-III measures that had been in effect since 11th November 2025, when the AQI had surpassed 400. The decision considered both the improving AQI trend and the disruptive impact of Stage-III restrictions on stakeholders and the public. Forecasts from IMD and IITM indicate that Delhi’s average AQI may remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days, which was also taken into account during the deliberations.

Continuation of Stage-I and Stage-II Measures

Despite revoking Stage-III measures, all actions under Stage-II and Stage-I of GRAP (November 2025) will continue to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed across the NCR. Agencies are required to maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures under these stages to prevent a rise in AQI and avoid the need to reinstate Stage-III measures.

Construction and demolition project sites with specific closure orders due to statutory violations or non-compliance must not resume operations without explicit authorization from the Commission.

Citizen Advisory and Ongoing Monitoring

While Stage-III restrictions have been lifted, citizens are advised to adhere strictly to the citizen charter under Stage-II and Stage-I, considering the winter season and the potential for unfavourable weather conditions that could impact air quality.

The Sub-Committee will continue to monitor the air quality situation closely and review the scenario periodically to determine further actions based on the air quality and forecasts provided by IMD and IITM.

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