In a big relief to residents of Delhi, the capital witnessed its cleanest air in three years as the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped to 85 on Saturday, March 15. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attested that it was the lowest AQI recorded from January 1 to March 15 in the past three years.
Due to the better air quality, authorities have withdrawn measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-1 in Delhi-NCR.
First ‘Satisfactory’ Day of Air in Years
The CAQM made it official on X (formerly Twitter) that this was the first time in 2025 that the air in Delhi has dipped into the ‘Satisfactory’ range, which encompasses AQI between 50-100.
“Delhi has seen a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI in March, the first time in five years since 2020,” the CAQM said.
“Today, Delhi observed an average AQI of 85, lowest in the past three years for 1st January to 15th March. Today’s AQI is also the first day of this year with a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI (AQI 51-100). Delhi has experienced a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI during the month of March, first time in the past five years since 2020,” the release stated.
Rain and Pleasant Winds Relieve Air Quality
The tremendous relief in air quality in Delhi followed light rains in the Delhi-NCR belt during Holi festivities. Favorable winds in addition to rains cleared out the pollutants and caused a dip in temperature, which had been climbing after winter finally ended.
“Delhi AQI has also improved considerably because of good winds, light rain/drizzle, and better meteorological conditions prevailing over Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been measured at 85 for 15.03.2025 (in ‘Satisfactory’ category). Additionally, the prediction by IMD/IITM also indicates AQI to predominantly stay in ‘Satisfactory to Moderate’ category in forthcoming days,” an official release stated.
GRAP Stage-1 Restrictions Revoked
In a move to reciprocate the better air quality, CAQM has withdrawn GRAP Stage-1 steps that are enforced when air quality is in the ‘Poor’ category. Still, officials have asked respective agencies to stay vigilant on the air quality and take action if required as per IMD and IITM predictions.
The Sub-Committee, as such, orders the cancellation of its order dated 07.03.2025, initiating actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the existing GRAP in the whole of NCR with immediate effect,” the statement added.