Overview
- CAQM revoked Stage‑II on February 18 after Delhi’s 24‑hour average AQI reached 214 at 4 p.m., and Stage‑I measures remain in force across the region.
- The rollback restores entry for interstate buses not limited to BS‑6, CNG or electric fleets and removes higher parking fees and curbs on diesel generator use imposed under Stage‑II.
- Light rain, overcast skies and gusty winds cooled the city and temporarily dispersed pollutants, with IMD and IITM expecting overall air quality to hover between the ‘poor’ and ‘moderate’ bands in coming days.
- Readings swung on Thursday: CPCB data showed ‘moderate’ levels in the morning (AQI about 164–169) before slipping back to ‘poor’ by evening (around 208).
- Conditions varied by location, with nearby NCR cities in the ‘poor’ range (Noida 232, Gurugram 264) and on‑site monitoring at the Ghazipur landfill showing ‘very poor’ air (AQI 349) despite the showers.