Overview
- The CAQM revoked GRAP Stage 3 on November 26 after three days of marginal improvement to a 24-hour AQI of 327, keeping Stage 1 and Stage 2 in force with intensified enforcement under the November 21 modifications.
- By Thursday morning, CPCB data showed Delhi’s average AQI back around 349 with local hotspots tipping into the ‘severe’ zone, including Wazirpur at 406 and Bawana at 405, and several stations near 390–400.
- The rollback lifts bans on non-essential construction and certain older vehicles and ends 50% work-from-home and hybrid classes, though previously shut sites must obtain explicit clearance to reopen.
- Air-quality experts and activists criticized the move as premature, pointing to winter stagnation and limited health difference between AQI readings in the low- and mid-300s.
- The Supreme Court noted health impacts inside court and listed the Delhi-NCR pollution matter for an urgent hearing on Monday, with the Chief Justice stating the problem affects every resident.