Delhi Enjoys Fresh Air: Cleanest Quality In March In 5 Years As GRAP Restrictions Finally Lifted

New Delhi:  Delhi recorded its cleanest air for any day between January 1 and March 15 in the last three years on Saturday, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The 24-hour average AQI stood at 85 at 4 pm on Saturday, placing it in the 'Satisfactory' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the first ‘Satisfactory' air quality day of 2025.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'Good,' 51-100 is 'Satisfactory,' 101-200 is 'Moderate,' 201-300 is 'Poor,' 301-400 is 'Very Poor,' and 401-500 is 'Severe.'

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) also shared on its X account, stating, "Today, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 85, the lowest in the last three years for the period from 1st January to 15th March. Today's AQI is also the first day of the current year with a 'Satisfactory' AQI (AQI 51-100)."

It further mentioned that Delhi has witnessed a 'Satisfactory' AQI in March for the first time in five years, since 2020.

Delhi soaring temperture 

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi on Saturday was 33 degrees Celsius, 4.1 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature was 18.7 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels fluctuated between 62 per cent and 50 per cent.

On Friday, Delhi experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury reaching 36.2 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees Celsius above normal, the IMD stated.

The weather department has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle on Sunday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively.

GRAP fully lifted

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital shows improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to lift the restrictions imposed under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).

The CAQM's decision comes as the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 85 on March 15, 2025, which is 116 points below the 201 mark required to implement Stage-I measures. The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decided to revoke its order dated March 7, 2025, which invoked actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

 "AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement due to favourable winds, light rain/drizzling and improved meteorological conditions prevailing in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 85 for March 15, 2025 (in the 'Satisfactory' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in 'Satisfactory to Moderate' category in coming days," the order signed by the Director (Technical) RK Agrawal, who is also the member convenor of the sub-committee on GRAP, stated.

Not let the air quality slip to the "Poor" category

The order has directed all concerned agencies in the NCR to sustain better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not let the air quality slip to the "Poor" category. It also emphasised the need to take actions to curb air pollution, especially focusing on the dust mitigation measures.

 "All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a predominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR," the order read.