New Delhi, February 18 – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday lifted Stage II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) following a steady improvement in Delhi's air quality.
The decision was made by the GRAP Sub-Committee after reviewing the latest air quality data and meteorological forecasts. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 214 on Wednesday, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, but showing a clear downward trend in pollution levels.
The AQI had improved from 261 recorded on February 16 to 249 on February 17, and further to 214 on February 18, aided by favorable weather conditions.
Based on forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.
"In view of the improving trend in the average AQI of Delhi, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to lift Stage II of the existing GRAP across the entire NCR with immediate effect," the Commission said in a statement.
However, authorities clarified that all measures under Stage I of GRAP will continue to remain in force. Implementing agencies across the NCR have been directed to intensify and strictly enforce Stage I actions to prevent any further deterioration in air quality.
Officials said the GRAP mechanism, which prescribes graded restrictions based on pollution levels, had previously invoked Stage II on October 19, 2025, after AQI levels showed a rising trend.
The Commission emphasized that strict monitoring will continue, and agencies must maintain vigilance to ensure that pollution levels do not rise again. Citizens have also been advised to follow the guidelines under Stage I to help sustain the improvement.
The Sub-Committee will closely monitor the air quality situation and review the scenario periodically for further decisions based on real-time data and forecasts.