(AP) 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. ‘Can’t Stay Two Days In Delhi’: Gadkari On Severe Pollution, Transport Sector Role 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).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 the 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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCalm With India, Weapons For Pakistan: Pentagon Report Warns Of China’s Strategic Balancing ActAssam’s Karbi Anglong Gripped By Violence, Internet Suspended As Anger Over ‘Encroachers’ Explodes‘Can’t Stay Two Days In Delhi’: Gadkari On Severe Pollution, Transport Sector Role’Batenge Toh Katenge’: Uddhav & Raj Thackeray Unite For Mumbai Civic Polls | Shiv Sena (UBT) | MNSBluebird Lift-Off Shows ISRO Commercial Power As Nambi Narayanan Calls LVM-3 Game Changer MoveYunus Govt Takes Responsibility Of Dipu Das Family After India Erupts Over Hindu Man’s LynchingOsman Hadi’s Brother Accuses Yunus Regime Of Murder Plot To Defer Bangladesh Polls Scheduled in FebPak Leader Exposes Munir’s Kabul Hypocrisy As Sharif’s Party Threatens India Over Bangladesh CrisisDRDO Completes User Trials Of Akash-NG Air Defence Missile System, Ready For InductionBangladesh Slipping Into Pakistan’s Pocket: Sushant Sareen Warns India Of New Eastern Security Front123PhotostoriesWhat kind of energy you absorb from others based on your birth dateThe lost tales of the ‘Chequers Ring’: The jewel linked to Queen Elizabeth I and Anne BoleynIndia’s very own ‘Norway’: Destinations that resemble the beautiful European destination and are best visited in winter5 Ways to make cafe-style Hot Chocolate with a healthy twistWinter Special: How to make Kolkata-Style Egg Roll at homeFrom Witanhurst to Villa Leopolda: 8 biggest residential homes built across the globeFrom fear to fatality: Ganeshkhind Road exposes Pune’s pedestrian crisisJudi Dench to Bruce Willis: Heartbreaking reasons film legends had to QUIT actingFrom playground to powerhouse: Chennai’s Royapuram gets Rs 1.5cr sports complex2026 Messages for every birth date you need to know123Hot PicksUAE WeatherPAN-Aadhaar linkingKarbi Anglong CurfewGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingShane Bieber and Kara Net WorthLIC Home Loan Interest RateMunetaka MurakamiConnor Bedard Net WorthAleksander Barkov GirlfriendAuston MatthewsITR RefundTrey Yesavage and Taylor Fricks EngagementJade Cargill and Brandon Net WorthMax Holloway Net Worth
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).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 the 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.
