GRAP-4 restrictions have been removed in Delhi before the New Year. This decision has been taken after improvement in pollution levels. Group 3 restrictions will remain in force. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took this decision under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) issued on 21 November 2025 in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court. Currently, as per the orders of 14 October, 19 October and 13 December 2025, Stage-1, 2, 3 and 4 were in force.
The rule of ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ will continue
Delhi government had already made it clear that even after the removal of Group 4, the rule of ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ will continue.
AQI improved due to strong winds
The sub-committee constituted on GRAP reviewed the air quality of the region and the forecasts of IMD/IITM in its meeting held today (24 December). The committee found that due to strong winds and favorable weather, the air quality of Delhi has improved significantly. On December 24, 2025, AQI was recorded at 271, which falls in the ‘Poor’ category. However, there is a possibility of AQI increasing in the coming days due to reduction in wind speed.
Keeping these circumstances in mind, the sub-committee decided to cancel the order dated 13 December 2025, under which Stage-IV (Severe+; AQI > 450) was implemented.
However, the Commission clarified that all measures under Stage-1, 2 and 3 will remain strictly implemented and monitored across the NCR as per the revised GRAP dated November 21, 2025, so that the air quality does not fall back into the ‘Severe+’ category. All concerned agencies have been instructed to further intensify the measures under Stage-2 and 3.
Appeal to people to follow Grape-3
Also, in view of the winter weather, an appeal has been made to the citizens to strictly follow the Citizen’s Charter issued under GRAP Stage-1, 2 and 3.
