The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital region deteriorated to 353 on Friday, from 345 a day earlier, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Continuous rainfall since the morning has helped reduce pollution levels, leading to better air quality in Delhi

Measures under stages 1 and 2 will remain in force to manage pollution levels.

New Delhi: The city witnessed light rain on Friday morning, accompanied by a dense layer of fog that reduced visibility across the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded was 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius.

However, the commision said that the measures under stages I and II would remain in force to manage pollution levels, and prevent the situation from further deterioration.

The decision comes after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 369 ('Very Poor') at 4 PM on December 24, down from a peak of 401 ('Severe') recorded on December 16.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR."Observing a downward trend in the AQI levels of Delhi on 27.12.2024, the Sub-Committee on GRAP further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and observed as under,

NCR's air quality on Friday rolled back stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid a dip in air pollution levels owing to continuous rains, according to an official order.

Stage 3 of GRAP has been revoked in Delhi-NCR by Commission for Air Quality Management. Meanwhile, the commission said measures under stages 1 and 2 of Graded Response Action Plan will remain effective to manage pollution levels.