Delhi-NCR finally witnessed a slight respite from severe pollution levels on Wednesday, November 27, with air quality improving enough for authorities to lift GRAP III restrictions. After remaining in the ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ categories for several days, the region’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) shifted to the ‘Poor’ range, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke the third-stage curbs.
According to AQI.in, the PM2.5 concentration over the past 24 hours still remains worrying. The platform estimated that breathing Delhi’s air currently equals smoking around 10 cigarettes a day, assuming consistent exposure. Despite the marginal improvement, pollution levels continue to pose serious health risks for sensitive groups, children, and the elderly.
Officials attribute the improvement to favourable wind speed, slight temperature rise, and restricted industrial operations under previous GRAP phases. With GRAP III now revoked, construction and demolition activities—except for essential projects—may resume, although authorities have urged agencies to maintain strict dust-control measures.
Environmental experts warn that the relief may be temporary, as winter conditions, low wind speed, and dense fog could again worsen pollution levels in the coming days. Doctors also advise residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, wear N95 masks, and use air purifiers indoors.
Meanwhile, Delhi residents expressed cautious optimism, hoping that air quality will continue to improve as measures remain in force under GRAP I and II. The CAQM has reiterated that long-term solutions—such as cleaner transportation, regulated biomass burning, and improved waste management—must be strengthened to ensure sustainable air quality in the region.
With the winter season deepening, pollution management remains a major challenge for Delhi-NCR. Authorities continue to monitor AQI levels closely, ready to reimpose restrictions if pollution spikes again.
