Under the revised framework, several measures previously reserved for the most severe pollution category will now take effect sooner. Some Stage 4 advisories—meant for occasions when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 450—will now be activated at Stage 3, applicable when AQI remains between 401 and 450. Similarly, Stage 3 restrictions will shift to Stage 2 (AQI 301–400), while Stage 2 actions will be triggered at Stage 1 (AQI 201–300).

This forward-shifted structure is intended to prevent air quality from slipping into the “severe” and “severe-plus” categories, a recurring pattern during winter due to low wind speed, increased emissions, and seasonal stubble burning. Earlier implementation of curbs, officials argue, will allow authorities to intervene before pollution levels spike to dangerous thresholds.

Welcoming the proactive approach, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran underscored the need for inclusive decision-making. “We are of the view that any proactive action in reducing air pollution would always be welcome. We expect the CAQM, while taking such action, to consult all stakeholders,” the bench said.

The GRAP overhaul marks one of the most significant policy shifts in recent years, strengthening Delhi-NCR’s ability to respond to pollution spikes. With winter approaching, authorities are expected to operationalise the revised plan immediately, signalling tighter and earlier interventions across the region.

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The marginal improvement is attributed to stronger surface winds, which reached nearly 15 kmph on Sunday. Despite this temporary relief, several pockets within the region recorded alarming numbers. Wazirpur logged an AQI of 410, Bawana 419, and Jahangirpuri 414 — all falling under the ‘severe’ category. Weather conditions also indicate an early onset of winter, with Delhi registering a minimum temperature of 8.7°C on Monday, four degrees below normal and the lowest November temperature since 2022.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Early Warning System predicted no significant relief and warned that AQI levels may revert to ‘severe’ by Wednesday. Currently, Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been active since November 11 when the AQI touched 428.

In contrast, Ghaziabad ranked as the most polluted city in the country on Monday, becoming the only city listed in the ‘severe’ category with an AQI of 401. Areas like Loni and Sanjay Nagar recorded even higher levels at 414 and 433 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to impose blanket restrictions such as a complete construction shutdown or vehicular ban, stating that livelihoods must not be jeopardized while addressing pollution.

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Using satellite data from NASA’s OCO-2 and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P, the team identified methane hotspots around industrial zones, landfills, and wastewater areas. The researchers also created city-specific models to forecast emissions and understand trends in urban GHG concentrations.

Professor Sahu said satellite-based monitoring helps policymakers target key sources of pollution such as landfills and heavy-traffic corridors. The study emphasized the importance of such data in designing climate policies and evaluating their effectiveness. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model used in the study also showed strong forecasting potential.

The findings, published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, underscore the urgent need for climate action. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality has worsened again, prompting the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) ahead of Diwali.

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