The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked phase 3 of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) via Delhi-NCR.
“By observing a downward trend in the ICA levels of Delhi on December 27, 2024, the GRAP Sub-Committee further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and observed the following,” the statement said.
The measures in stages 1 and 2 will remain in force to manage pollution levels.
The Supreme Court, in its WP(C) No. 13029 of 1985 on MC Mehta Vs. Union of India and Ors. on December 5, 2024, ordered the Commission: “…we must record here that if the Commission determines that the AQI exceeds 350, as a precautionary measure, Stage III measures will have to be implemented immediately. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Phase IV measures will have to be reintroduced…”
This directive was reinforced in Court Orders of December 12, 2024 and December 19, 2024.
Following these directives, when the AQI of Delhi crossed 350 and reached 401 at 10 pm on December 16, 2024, the GRAP Sub-Committee implemented Stages III and IV by orders dated December 16, 2024. Subsequently, Stage IV was withdrawn on December 24, 2024. , as air quality improved.
Currently, Stages I, II, and III of the revised GRAP remain active by orders dated October 14, 2024, October 21, 2024, and December 16, 2024, respectively.
The GRAP Sub-Committee reviewed the regional air quality situation and IMD/IITM forecasts on December 27, 2024, noting the declining AQI levels of Delhi.