Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' Levels Amid Cold Wave
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Synopsis
On January 20, the air quality in New Delhi hit the higher end of the 'very poor' category due to a cold wave. The AQI reached 349, with forecasts of rain and thunderstorms expected in the coming days.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi's AQI recorded at 349 on January 20.
- Moderate fog and thunderstorms predicted.
- Commission for Air Quality Management lifted Stage-III GRAP measures.
- AQI in various locations exceeds 400.
- Weather conditions to affect air quality in upcoming days.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The air quality in the national capital has worsened, reaching the upper end of the "very poor" classification due to the ongoing cold wave.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 349 on Monday at 6 a.m., as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate fog in parts of Delhi.
The temperature range in the capital is between 23 to 26 degrees Celsius for maximum and 8 to 9 degrees Celsius for minimum.
Thunderstorms and rain are expected on January 22 and 23, with fog persisting throughout the week.
Here are the AQI readings in various locations across Delhi: Anand Vihar (407), Vivek Vihar (390), Wazirpur (381), Ashok Vihar (366), Chandni Chowk (347), Dwarka-Sector 8 (379), Jahangirpuri (373), ITO (370), Lodhi Road (360), Najafgarh (310), R K Puram (380), Rohini (370), Shadipur (331).
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi indicates that the air quality will remain in the Poor category from January 20 to 21, while for the subsequent six days, it is expected to fluctuate between 'Very Poor' and 'Poor'.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), on Friday, lifted the Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective immediately across the Delhi-NCR region, following the air quality decline. However, measures under Stage-I and II of the existing GRAP are being enforced more rigorously to halt any further deterioration of the AQI.
In its announcement regarding the revocation of GRAP III measures, the CAQM stated that the AQI is expected to remain in the lower range of the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days due to favorable meteorological conditions and strong wind speeds. This forecast is based on predictions from IMD/IITM regarding air quality and weather.
The 24-hour average AQI for Delhi was 368 ("very poor") at 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to the CPCB’s daily bulletin, showing an increase of over 100 points from Saturday’s 4 p.m. reading of 255 ("poor").
The Supreme Court has revised the threshold for invoking Stage 3 of GRAP to 350, down from the previous 400. Nevertheless, the AQI fell to 360 by 8 p.m., leading the CAQM to delay implementing further restrictions.
Stage 3 of GRAP was retracted on January 16 after Delhi’s AQI dipped below 300 for two consecutive days. Stage 3 includes measures such as a ban on private construction and demolition activities, and restrictions on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel private vehicles.
