New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The capital city is grappling with unhealthy air pollution levels on Thursday, as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘very poor’ category, even after a slight improvement compared to earlier days. Official data indicates that Delhi's AQI was recorded at 377, raising significant concerns regarding public health and everyday life.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollution levels continue to be alarmingly elevated in various regions of the city. The area surrounding the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple reported an AQI of 377, firmly categorizing it as ‘very poor’. Other notable locations also recorded high AQI readings, with ITO at 331 and the AIIMS area at 359.

Multiple pollution hotspots are reporting concerning AQI levels, with Anand Vihar at 379, Ashok Vihar at 333, and Wazirpur at 336. Additional areas such as Punjabi Bagh (338), RK Puram (359), Bawana (323), Chandni Chowk (361), and Dwarka Sector 8 (342) are also classified under the ‘very poor’ category, as per CPCB data.

The CPCB’s Sameer app reported on Wednesday that 29 monitoring stations across Delhi registered ‘very poor’ air quality, while nine stations fell into the ‘poor’ category. This widespread pollution underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces during the winter months.

In light of the fluctuating air quality, the Delhi government announced on Wednesday that parking fees at authorized sites will be doubled during periods of severe pollution. This initiative will be implemented when the AQI reaches the ‘severe’ range (401-450) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III and ‘severe plus’ levels (above 450) under GRAP Stage IV. The objective is to discourage the use of private vehicles and reduce vehicular emissions.

Previously, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, following a marginal improvement in air quality. Nonetheless, authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels due to changing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced moderate to dense fog in several parts of Delhi, exacerbating the situation. At 7 a.m., the city’s temperature was approximately 7.4 degrees Celsius, adding to the discomfort experienced by residents.

Additionally, the IMD forecasts generally cloudy skies for January 22, with light rain anticipated over Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region. These showers may come with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. A second round of light rain is likely later in the afternoon and evening.

Cold wave and dense fog conditions persist across parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Adampur has emerged as the coldest location in the plains, registering a minimum temperature of 2.6 degrees Celsius. Reduced visibility due to fog has heightened the risk of road accidents, while cold wave conditions continue in parts of Himachal Pradesh.