Delhi chokes: GRAP-4 curbs lifted; stage I–III measures to continue amid ‘very poor’ AQI

NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and adjoining areas on Wednesday lifted GRAP-IV with immediate effect, even though air quality across large parts of the city remained in the ‘very poor’ category.According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas such as ITO and India Gate recorded AQI levels crossing 350, underscoring the persistence of hazardous air conditions in the national capital. The CAQM said the decision was taken to revoke its order dated December 13, 2025, which had invoked actions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).GRAP Stage IV is enforced when air quality reaches the ‘severe+’ category with an AQI above 450. The commission, however, clarified that measures under Stage I, Stage II and Stage III of the extant GRAP will continue and will be implemented as per the modified GRAP dated November 21, 2025.The easing of curbs came hours after the Delhi High Court directed the GST Council to meet at the earliest to consider lowering GST on air purifiers in view of the worsening air quality. During the hearing, the court questioned the Centre over 18% GST imposed on air purifiers. At the outset, the bench expressed displeasure over the lack of action in the matter, observing that every citizen is entitled to clean air.Earlier, GRAP Stage-IV measures had been enforced across Delhi-NCR to curb rising pollution levels. Under Stage IV, private vehicle movement was not completely banned, with restrictions largely dependent on emission norms and fuel type. While vehicles meeting prescribed standards were allowed to operate, older vehicles face stricter curbs. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are not permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR during this phase, except those providing essential services.