GRAP-4 curbs in NCR lifted after SC order; AQI improves to 'moderate'

Diesel cars and trucks once sidelined by the restrictions are now back on the roads

- AAISHA SABIR

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax the stringent anti-pollution measures from GRAP-4 to Stage 2 in Delhi-NCR, following a consistent improvement in air quality over the past few days.

Later in the evening, CAQM revoked restrictive pollution control measures under stages 3 and 4 of the anti-pollution control plan for winters. Diesel cars and trucks once sidelined by the restrictions are now back on the roads.

The national capital recorded its cleanest air in December since 2022, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling to the "moderate" category at 165. This marks a significant improvement from previous weeks when the city was grappling with severe air pollution.

"We have perused the figures of the AQI from November 18 till December 4. Up to November 30, the levels were consistently above 300, and it is only during the last four days that the levels have come down below 300," noted the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih.

However, the court maintained cautious oversight, establishing clear thresholds for reimposing stricter measures. "If the commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, Stage 3 measures have to be implemented, and if AQI crosses 400 lifted after SC order; AQI improves to ‘moderate’ on a given day, Stage 4 measures have to be introduced,” the bench directed.