• Source:JND
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Delhi Air Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the removal of GRAP Stage 3 in Delhi, effective immediately. This decision comes in accordance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and has been communicated through a revised schedule issued on 21st November 2025.

While GRAP Stage 3 has been lifted, restrictions under GRAP Stages 1 and 2 will continue. The orders issued on 14th October 2025, 19th October 2025, and 11th November 2025 remain in force and will guide the air quality management measures for the coming days.

The removal of GRAP-III will offer relief to construction activities, but air quality remains a significant concern. As such, all agencies have been instructed to maintain strict monitoring while continuing to enforce the GRAP-I and GRAP-II regulations.

According to the CAQM, air quality has improved over the past three days, and on Wednesday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 327, which falls into the "very poor" category. The IMD and IITM have predicted that the AQI will remain within this range for the coming days.

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Are schools open in Delhi now?

Yes, schools are open. The restrictions on hybrid schools have been lifted, so in-person classes are back to normal.

Is the 50% work-from-home rule still in effect for offices?

No, the 50% work-from-home mandate has been removed. Offices can now operate as usual, following only the GRAP-II restrictions. Only the GRAP-II guidelines are now in effect, which applies to various sectors, including construction and office work.

GRAP-III Lifted, But Restrictions Continue

With the removal of GRAP-III, construction activities in the NCR, which had been halted when the AQI reached the severe category, can now resume. However, sites that were closed for breaching dust control or other regulations will only be allowed to reopen with prior approval from the CAQM.

The CAQM has clarified that all restrictions under GRAP-I and GRAP-II will remain in force to prevent pollution levels from reaching critical thresholds once again.

- Regular water sprinkling will continue on roads.

- Anti-smog guns and dust coverings remain mandatory at construction sites.

- There is a ban on the burning of garbage, leaves, and biomass.

- Action will be taken against old and polluting vehicles.

- Special enforcement teams will be deployed at busy traffic points.

- Additional measures will be implemented in identified hotspot areas.

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Delhi Air Quality Dips to 'Poor' 

Air quality across Delhi and the wider NCR remained alarming on Wednesday morning, with the overall AQI touching 373 in the “very poor” category at 7 AM, according to the CPCB. Of the 39 monitoring stations in the capital, 34 reported “very poor” air, while the remaining five fell under the “poor” category.

Noida and Greater Noida recorded severe AQIs of 413 and 443, respectively. Gurugram saw some improvement as its AQI dropped to 346 from 418 a day earlier, while Faridabad’s AQI also eased from 433 to 391.

 

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