Delhi's Air Has Changed! Restrictions Lifted Due to Improved Air Quality, Exploring the Background

However, it should not be misunderstood that "lifting = safety." A level of 236 is equivalent to "Poor" and cannot be considered good air quality. The authorities decided to remove Stage 3 because weather conditions like strong winds helped improve the index in the short term, and the restrictions of Stage 3 significantly impact economic activities and daily life. Public Relations Office

What Has "Returned": Resumed Construction, Revived Logistics

The most notable aspect of this withdrawal is that the city's "dust sources," which had been halted, will start moving again.

• Non-essential construction and demolition work resumes (including excavation, piling, welding, painting, plastering, tile and flooring work)

• Operations of stone crushers, brick kilns, and mining-related activities are also allowed to resume, provided pollution control measures are followed

• Transportation of construction materials such as cement, sand, and fly ash is also permitted again

While moving closer to "normal operations" in the economy and daily life, an increase in construction and transportation can easily lead to more dust and exhaust emissions. The withdrawal represents a decision to "loosen" restrictions, but it also tests the management capabilities on the ground. NDTV Profit

Cars Can Run Again—But Not Fully Unrestricted

Vehicle restrictions imposed under Stage 3 have also been relaxed. According to reports, BS-III gasoline vehicles and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are allowed to operate again, and the ban on non-essential diesel medium goods vehicles has been lifted. Furthermore, the ban on interstate diesel buses not meeting CNG/EV/BS-VI standards entering Delhi has also been removed. NDTV Profit

Meanwhile, authorities have stated that "Stages 1 and 2 will continue," leaving the possibility of reinforcement if signs of pollution returning appear. NDTV Profit

Schools Return to "Normal"—Is It Relief or Anxiety for Parents?

The education sector was also affected. During Stage 3, classes up to Grade 5 had shifted to a hybrid model, but with the withdrawal, full resumption of in-person classes is now possible. NDTV Profit

However, in Delhi during winter, it's not uncommon to have days with "fog in the morning, fine particles in the afternoon." In fact, other reports have mentioned the possibility of the improvement being short-lived, with air quality expected to return to "Very Poor" after Sunday. For parents, the resumption of classes doesn't equate to complete reassurance, leaving them with difficult decisions. Hindustan Times

The Important Point: Stage 3 Is Withdrawn, but Enforcement Continues

When hearing "lifting," it might seem like enforcement has ended. However, the authorities' announcement is quite the opposite, emphasizing a strong stance to "strengthen and monitor" the measures of Stages 1 and 2 to prevent further deterioration.

Continued measures include, for example,

• enhanced mechanical and suction cleaning of key roads

• water sprinkling at hotspots (including the use of dust suppressants)

• strict inspection of dust control measures at construction and demolition sites

• ban on open burning of garbage and biomass, and proper waste disposal

• enforcement against vehicles visibly emitting smoke

are listed. NDTV Profit

Another important aspect is the "exceptions." Construction sites that received individual closure orders due to violations or non-compliance cannot resume without explicit reopening orders from the committee. This setup ensures that even in a "resumption mood," non-compliant sites are not allowed to restart indiscriminately. NDTV Profit

Why Did It Improve?—Strong Winds and Weather "Flip the Switch"

The recent improvement did not occur solely due to human efforts. Authorities explained that strong winds and favorable weather conditions contributed to the improvement in AQI. In other words, the "source" of pollution has not disappeared; rather, the conditions for dispersion were temporarily favorable. This is why it can easily revert depending on the forecast. Public Relations Office

Reactions on SNS: Welcome, Distrust, and "Anger of the Residents"

This news is a theme that easily divides reactions on SNS. Broadly, three patterns stand out:

1) "Finally, Back to Normal"—Welcome and Relief

Construction, logistics, vehicles, and schools that had been halted are starting to move. For residents, there are practical benefits such as "being able to go to work," "deliveries resuming," and "returning to school." Government announcements also indicate that the restrictions of Stage 3 are "heavy measures" affecting many stakeholders, creating an atmosphere that welcomes the lifting. Public Relations Office

2) "It Will Get Worse Again Anyway"—Caution and Cynicism

On the other hand, there is strong suspicion towards the "short-lived improvement." Reports suggest that air quality is expected to return to "Very Poor" after Sunday, leading to voices that see the lifting as merely a "temporary respite." Hindustan Times

3) "Children and the Vulnerable Are Left Behind"—Anger and Distrust (Past Posts Resurface)

Pollution in the Delhi region is a long-term battle, and on SNS, anger over "schools being open while children suffer" repeatedly emerges. For instance, in Delhi-related communities on Reddit, strong expressions like "schools are open, are you going to make children and people suffer?" were seen during severe pollution periods (though these are not posts directly about the "lifting," they are often referenced and reignited during similar news about pollution policies). Reddit

"After Lifting" Is the Real Test: The Quality of Monitoring Will Determine the Outcome

This withdrawal does not declare that Delhi is free from pollution. Rather, the focus will be on how thoroughly Stages 1 and 2 can be monitored as construction resumes and traffic increases.

Authorities have also communicated their intention to continue enforcement, cleaning, and violation responses, stating "now is not the time to relax." Moneycontrol

On days when the sky clears a bit, people tend to think "it's okay now." However, in Delhi during winter, the scenery can change dramatically with just one weather condition. The lifting is not the goal but rather the "start of a tightrope walk" to prevent the next deterioration—this is why opinions on SNS are divided, as it reflects the reality of life.