Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Very Poor' Despite Recent Rainfall Records
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New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) After a brief surge in air quality due to substantial rainfall over the last two to three days, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reverted back to the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI recorded in the national capital was 223 at 7 a.m. on Sunday.
A thin layer of fog enveloped the city in the morning, with the minimum temperature falling to 12 degrees Celsius.
CPCB data reveals differing AQI levels across various regions of Delhi at the 7 a.m. mark: Okhla Phase 2 recorded an AQI of 245, Alipur (202), Rohini (271), ITO (243), Ashok Vihar (251), Shadipur (222), Mundka (270), Jahangirpuri (288), Narela (191), DTU (140), R.K. Puram (252), Anand Vihar (287), Pusa (238), and Punjabi Bagh (214).
The air quality had slightly improved to the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday, owing to the rains that provided temporary respite. Nevertheless, the current AQI levels continue to present health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Delhi experienced 41.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, marking the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Centre's air quality monitoring body lifted Stage III measures of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday, citing favorable weather conditions, including ongoing rainfall in Delhi-NCR.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday suggested removing the restrictions after predictions from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicated further improvement due to favorable meteorological conditions. The Stage III restrictions were initially imposed on December 16.
Despite the temporary relief from rain, the return to ‘very poor’ AQI underscores the ongoing air quality issues faced during winter months. The CPCB’s AQI scale categorizes levels from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe plus’ (above 450).
Authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and exercise caution as winter deepens, highlighting the necessity for ongoing air quality monitoring and preventive actions.
