Delhi AQI Spikes to ‘Very Poor’ Hours After GRAP-III Lift

Just hours after the CAQM revoked the stringent Stage 3 restrictions, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked back up to 351, keeping the capital trapped in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the 21st consecutive day.

November 27, 2025: The brief reprieve in pollution levels that prompted the lifting of strict emergency measures was short-lived, as Delhi awoke on Thursday to another morning of toxic air.

The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 351 at 8 a.m., squarely in the ‘Very Poor’ range (301-400), a sharp jump from the 24-hour average of 327 recorded just yesterday evening.

GRAP Stage 3 Curbs Revoked

The spike comes exactly one day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region.

• Curbs Lifted: The revocation means the lifting of restrictions such as the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, the 50% work-from-home mandate for offices, and the hybrid teaching mode for junior school classes.
• The Rationale: CAQM’s decision was based on a three-day improving trend in the AQI, which had fallen from 353 (Tuesday) to 327 (Wednesday). The Committee noted the “disruptive nature” of Stage 3 restrictions on the public and businesses.

Despite the rollback, the CAQM clarified that measures under GRAP Stage 1 and Stage 2 will be intensified and strictly monitored. This includes the ban on diesel generators and continuous road dust control efforts.

Hotspots Remain Critical

Specific monitoring stations in the National Capital showed levels dangerously close to the ‘Severe’ threshold (401+):

Location	AQI Reading	Category
Rohini	400	Very Poor (approaching Severe)
Jahangirpuri	394	Very Poor
Anand Vihar	390	Very Poor
Narela	388	Very Poor
Burari	369	Very Poor

The current forecast from the IMD and IITM indicates that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the coming days, suggesting little immediate relief from the smog that has blanketed the city for over three weeks straight.

Meanwhile, construction and demolition sites that were previously closed for specific violations remain shut until they receive explicit permission from the Commission to resume work.