Delhi Experiences Drizzle Amid Poor Air Quality; IMD Anticipates More Rain
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Synopsis
On January 23, Delhi woke up to light rain and poor air quality, with an AQI of 262. The IMD forecasts more showers, although air quality remains a concern in many areas.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi recorded an AQI of 262 this morning.
- Light rain is expected to continue throughout the day.
- Fog caused flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- Areas like Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri have 'very poor' air quality.
- Residents with health conditions should take precautions.
New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) Delhi began its Thursday morning with light rain amid 'poor' air quality, registering an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 262 at 6 a.m., as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts further light rain throughout the day, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to fluctuate around 22 degrees Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius respectively.
Moreover, the foggy conditions induced by lower temperatures have exacerbated the situation, leading to compromised visibility during early morning hours. Several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport faced delays due to the thick fog enveloping the city.
Despite the rainfall, the AQI readings across numerous areas in Delhi remain alarming. Notable areas reported the following AQI figures: Anand Vihar (320), Jahangirpuri (317), Vivek Vihar (305), Wazirpur (289), Okhla Phase-2 (269), Rohini (298), Ashok Vihar (291), Patparganj (287), Pusa (268), ITO (263), Najafgarh (234), R K Puram (249), and Shadipur (203).
Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri emerged as the top contenders with 'very poor' air quality, while most other regions remained within the upper spectrum of the 'poor' category.
The rain provided a brief break from the city's pollution, as experts remarked that light showers could aid in settling dust particles and offer a slight enhancement in air quality, albeit temporarily.
While the IMD has indicated that this light rain may render temporary relief from pollution and marginally improve air quality, they also emphasized that without consistent rainfall or stronger winds to disperse pollutants, the enhancement might be short-lived.
Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as the prevailing AQI levels pose risks to vulnerable groups.
Earlier on Friday, the Centre's air quality committee lifted restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and surrounding areas due to improved air quality.
This decision came a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management rolled back GRAP 4 following a reduction in pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
The CAQM stated in a release that its sub-committee on GRAP convened on Friday to assess the air quality situation in the region along with the forecasts from IMD/IITM.
