NEW DELHI, 24 February (H.S.) : The IMD and IITM, on Monday revoked the Stage 2 curbs under

the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a dip in pollution levels due

to favourable meteorological conditions. Delhi's 24-hour average air

quality index stood at 186 at 4 pm, significantly below the 300-mark that

triggers Stage 2 restrictions.

With the revocation of Stage 2 curbs, inter-state buses

from NCR states are now permitted to enter Delhi. During winters, the Delhi-NCR

region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into

four stages – Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400),

Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).

Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with

vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution

sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Meenakshi Bhattacharya