Delhi’s air quality improves for three consecutive days, GRAP Stage-II curbs lifted across NCR as Delhi’s air quality has shown sustained improvement for three consecutive days, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke Stage-II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
The decision was taken by the Sub-Committee on GRAP after reviewing the current air quality scenario along with meteorological forecasts and Air Quality Index (AQI) projections provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM.
Delhi’s daily average AQI recorded a consistent downward trend over the past three days. It stood at 261 on 16 February 2026, improved to 249 on 17 February 2026, and further declined to 214 on 18 February 2026, as per the AQI Bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI was recorded at 214 at 4:00 PM on 18 February 2026.
The Sub-Committee observed that the improvement was largely due to favourable meteorological conditions. Forecasts from IMD and IITM indicate that the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days.
Stage-II of the extant GRAP had originally been invoked on 19 October 2025, when Delhi’s average AQI began exhibiting an increasing trend.
While Stage-II measures have now been lifted, all actions under Stage-I of GRAP will continue to remain in force across NCR. Concerned agencies have been directed to maintain strict vigil and intensify implementation of Stage-I measures to prevent any further deterioration in air quality.
The CAQM Sub-Committee will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review it periodically based on AQI levels and forecasts.
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