Delhi-NCR lifts all restrictions under GRAP as air quality improves significantly

All restrictions imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region of Delhi have been lifted after significant improvement in air quality, officials said on Monday.The Council of Air Quality Management (CAQM) said Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was 119 on Monday due to favorable meteorological conditions.“Moreover, forecasts from IMD and IITM indicate that AQI is likely to remain at moderate levels in the coming days,” an official said.GRAP-1 restrictions are in effect by order issued on October 14, 2025.The lifting of restrictions means restrictions such as a ban on the use of coal and firewood as fuel in tandoors in hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries and the use of diesel generators only in emergency or necessary situations will no longer be in place.GRAP has four stages, each related to the AQI at that time.The first stage GRAP-1 is started when the AQI is between 201 and 300; when the AQI is between 301 and 400, the second stage GRAP-2 is called; GRAP-3 is started between 401 and 500; when the AQI is greater than 450, GRAP-4 is called.This year, GRAP-4 restrictions were implemented on January 17. Thereafter, as air quality improves, the lower phases of GRAP kick in.GRAP-4 was withdrawn on January 20. Two days later, restrictions under GRAP-3 were lifted and GRAP-2 measures were lifted on February 18. PTI