Delhi: Centre eases pollution restrictions; AAP govt calls meeting on schools, offices as AQI improves

With the national capital experiencing slight improvement in air quality, the Central panel which monitors air pollution ordered the lifting of under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Delhi's air quality improved on 6 November 2022 mainly due to favourable wind speed and a drop in the contribution of stubble burning. Now, the ban on non-BSVI diesel light motor vehicles and trucks will be lifted. However, the ban on non-essential construction activities will continue.

Following this development, it emerged that the Delhi government will hold a meeting on 7 November 2022 to discuss possible reopening of primary schools and revocation of order asking 50% of government staff to work from home.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said that since Delhi's AQI was around 339, GRAP Stage-IV measures were being lifted, but actions under Stage-I, II, and III would continue to remain in force. Stage-IV restrictions were announced on 3 November. They are mandated to be imposed when the AQI crosses 450.

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The CAQM added that the forecast by IMD and IITM did not indicate any "steep degradation" in air quality in coming days. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 339 on 6 November, down from 381 a day earlier, and 447 on 4 November.