A day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) annulled Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III restrictions, a blanket of deadly haze engulfed Delhi on Thursday. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality is still in the "very poor" category.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 349 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and 327 at 4 p.m., according to the CPCB. With an AQI of 390, which is slightly below the "severe" category, which is above 400, images from the Anand Vihar neighbourhood revealed a layer of pollution engulfing the area.
In the "severe" category, Wazirpur had the lowest AQI score of 406, while Bawana registered 405. Mandir Marg, on the other hand, recorded the lowest AQI reading of 243. Nehru Nagar 395, Jahangirpuri 394, Narela 388, Ashok Vihar 388, Punjabi Bagh 377, Mundka 377, DTU 373, Chandni Chowk 371, Burari Crossing 369, ITO 357, RK Puram 356, Sonia Vihar 355, Okhla Phase-2 351, Patparganj 351, and JLN Stadium 350. Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Lodhi Road (297), Sri Aurobindo Marg (295), and Aya Nagar (282) all had relatively low AQI levels (299).
"We are having trouble breathing, and it feels very suffocating," remarked a local. Suffocation has become more frequent since last week. Kartavya Path had an AQI of 299, so a truck mounted water sprinkler was installed to reduce pollution.
According to a news release, CAQM agreed on Wednesday to immediately remove all limitations under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) since the AQI level decreased from the "severe" to the "very poor" category.
In order to prevent pollution levels from rising again, CAQM has instructed authorities to step up their efforts under Stage I and Stage II of GRAP.
"Actions under Stage-I & II shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented as per the updated GRAP dated 21.11.2025 (copy enclosed), monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned throughout the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slide further to the "Severe/ Severe+ Category".
According to the announcement, "all implementing agencies shall maintain strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-1 & II of the modified GRAP."
According to the ruling, construction sites that were previously closed due to infractions cannot start up again without the Commission's additional approval.
When air pollution in Delhi-NCR exceeds specific danger thresholds, a series of emergency procedures known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) take effect. Depending on how high the Air Quality Index (AQI) becomes, it is intended to reduce air pollution gradually.
