Delhi’s air quality registered a slight improvement on Sunday, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to withhold the enforcement of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision came after the subcommittee reviewed hourly air quality data and observed a downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI), although pollution levels remain firmly in the “very poor” category.

At 10 am on Sunday, the capital’s average AQI stood at 391. By 4 pm it had improved to 370, later dropping to 365 at 5 pm. By 9 pm, the AQI further declined to 352, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Though air quality remains dangerous, the incremental improvement was sufficient to convince authorities that the situation does not currently warrant escalation to Stage 3 of GRAP.

Forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that overall air quality will continue to stay in the “very poor” range over the coming days. Despite this outlook, the subcommittee opted to maintain the currently active Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures. The panel stated that it will continue monitoring pollution levels closely and revisit the need for stricter interventions if conditions worsen.

On Saturday, the AQI had fluctuated sharply, standing at 361 at 4 pm before rising to 372 at 6 pm. The unstable pattern reflects the combined effect of local pollution, unfavourable weather conditions, and episodic factors such as stubble burning.

Had authorities imposed GRAP Stage 3, Delhi would have seen a ban on non-essential construction activities, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles across Delhi and NCR districts, and the option for schools up to Class 5 to shift to hybrid mode at parental discretion.

GRAP guidelines divide restrictions into four tiers based on AQI levels: Stage 1 (Poor), Stage 2 (Very Poor), Stage 3 (Severe), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus). Delhi typically enters Stage 3 when AQI trends consistently above 400.

This year, Delhi’s pollution crisis has been shaped by a mix of meteorological stagnation, crop residue burning in neighbouring states, vehicular emissions, firecrackers during festive celebrations, and other localised pollution sources. These factors have repeatedly pushed air quality to hazardous levels, endangering public health and prompting recurring emergency responses.

Meanwhile, public anger over worsening pollution continues to escalate. Thousands of residents, including parents, students, and environmental activists, gathered at India Gate to protest the deteriorating air quality. Demonstrators called for stronger accountability and long-term measures to address the recurring winter pollution crisis.

With air quality still far from safe, authorities caution that the situation remains fragile. Any unfavourable shift in weather patterns or increase in pollution sources could force the implementation of stricter GRAP stages in the coming days.