Delhi Lifts GRAP Stage-III as 2025 Marks Lowest PM Levels in Seven Years
Lower-stage curbs stay in force with forecasts pointing to persistently poor air.
Overview
- CAQM revoked Stage-III restrictions across the National Capital Region effective immediately following a recorded improvement in air quality.
- Delhi’s AQI fell from 380 on Thursday to 236 by 4 pm on January 2, indicating a sharp intra-day improvement.
- Official data show 2025 annual averages at PM2.5 of 97 µg/m³ and PM10 of 198 µg/m³, the lowest since 2018 excluding the Covid year 2020.
- Actions under GRAP Stages I and II continue, and the CAQM Sub-Committee will closely review conditions for any further decisions.
- IMD and IITM expect air quality to remain in the poor to very poor range in the coming days, as officials credit sustained policy and field measures for recent gains.