Delhi's Air Quality Declines to 'Poor' Amid Cold Weather; IMD Forecasts Rain
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Delhi's air quality remains categorized as 'poor' amidst persistent fog and cold conditions. The IMD has predicted isolated rainfall in the coming days, while varying pollution levels have been recorded across different city areas, prompting authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi's AQI recorded at 250.
- Persistent fog reduces visibility.
- IMD predicts rain on January 15 and 16.
- Some areas report severe pollution levels.
- GRAP Stage III restrictions lifted.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has persisted in the 'poor' classification, with fog continuing to shroud the city during the morning hours on Tuesday.
The AQI was recorded at 247 at 6 a.m. but saw a slight decline to 250 by 8 a.m., remaining within the 'poor' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The heavy fog enveloped the city, drastically lowering visibility, as the cold wave continued to affect the area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted isolated rainfall for Delhi and surrounding regions on January 15 and 16, with a new western disturbance set to impact northwest India starting Tuesday.
A small increase in temperatures has been observed over the last 24 hours, with the city experiencing maximum temperatures between 16-17 degrees Celsius and minimums of 9-10 degrees Celsius. While clear skies are expected on January 14, cloudy conditions are anticipated on January 15 and 16.
Despite a general enhancement in air quality, certain areas in the city reported elevated pollution levels. The early morning readings from the CPCB indicated severe air quality at Anand Vihar with an AQI of 356, while Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 321.
Other districts such as Ashok Vihar, Shadipur, and Rohini remained at the higher end of the 'poor' category, with AQI levels approaching 300. Pollution levels varied between 254 and 291 in areas like R.K. Puram, ITO, and Narela.
The 'poor' AQI category consists of readings from 201 to 300, while 301 to 400 is considered 'very poor', and levels over 400 are classified as 'severe'.
The recent overnight rainfall on January 12 has played a significant role in improving air quality throughout Delhi-NCR, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift the GRAP Stage III restrictions.
This decision has allowed the resumption of private construction and demolition activities, the continuation of in-person classes for students up to Class 5, and the unrestricted operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, along with non-essential BS-IV diesel medium goods vehicles.
Nevertheless, the city remains vigilant as weather conditions and pollution levels continue to fluctuate.
