Delhi air improves to 'very poor' as wind picks up, Grap stage 4 revoked

Schools set to reopen on Monday; BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles still barred from plying

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After five straight days of air at severe or near-severe levels (air quality index reading of 390-plus), pollution levels in Delhi on Saturday improved to the "very poor" zone on the back of winds changing direction from northwesterly to easterly, and a slight pick-up in wind speed, with the Capital logging a 24-hour average AQI of 319, according to the national bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 4pm.

Saturday's AQI reading was a significant improvement from the previous day's 405 (severe) and the 419 on Thursday, and led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke its orders that placed restrictions under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in the national capital, allowing non-essential trucks and diesel-run light and medium commercial vehicles to ply in Delhi.

After Grap 4 restrictions were revoked, the Delhi government announced that all schools will reopen on Monday as the pollution levels had improved. However, outdoor sports activities and morning assemblies will continue to remain banned.