The capital woke up to a gloomy Saturday, as light to moderate rain continued in several parts of the city due to an active western disturbance. The air quality index (AQI) improved to the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday morning.

The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for air pollution mitigation in Delhi-NCR, stated that restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain in place.

According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality situation is predicted to improve further owing to favourable meteorological conditions.

BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel cars were banned in Delhi after pollution levels breached severe category last week.

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

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.

This decision follows continuous rainfall, which has helped bring down pollution levels, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

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Stage 3 of GRAP has been revoked in Delhi-NCR by Commission for Air Quality Management.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.