NEW DELHI: Residents in Delhi experienced some relief on Thursday as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the ‘moderate’ category following weeks of severe pollution. The AQI was recorded at 161 as of 8am according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Despite the improvement, a thin layer of smog covered the city as winter set in, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a minimum temperature of 9°C, accompanied by mist in the air.
The AQI varied across different areas of Delhi, with Anand Vihar at 178, Chandni Chowk at 194, and ITO at 130, all falling under the ‘moderate’ category. However, areas like RK Puram (204), Mundka (222), and Shadipur (249) recorded ‘poor’ air quality.
An AQI between 101-200 is categorized as ‘moderate,’ 201-300 as ‘poor,’ and 301-400 as ‘very poor.’ The city had been grappling with ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality post-Diwali, leading to breathing difficulties and health complaints among residents.
To tackle the worsening pollution, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures were enforced, including a ban on BS-IV diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services.
As the winter chill sets in, Delhi’s minimum temperature dropped to 9°C on Thursday, signaling the onset of colder weather. The IMD predicts further temperature drops over the next five days. Meanwhile, Agra’s air quality was recorded as ‘satisfactory’ this morning, with visuals showing a golden hue over the Taj Mahal.
The Supreme Court recently ruled against relaxing the GRAP-IV measures, maintaining a strict stance on air pollution control, and scheduled further hearings for necessary modifications.
