Thick Fog Covers Delhi as Air Quality Stays in 'Very Poor' Range
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New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) On Wednesday morning, Delhi was enveloped in thick fog, leading to a significant reduction in visibility. The overall Air Quality Index at 7 a.m. was recorded at 333, classified as 'very poor', marking an improvement from the previous day's 'severe' status.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature was recorded at nine degrees Celsius.
As a result of the fog, 20 trains arriving in Delhi from different parts of the country faced delays.
The Delhi Airport issued a notice for travelers, indicating that flights not compliant with CAT III may experience disruptions. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates.
Meanwhile, a noted improvement in air quality was seen after the AQI dropped to 369 by 4 p.m. on December 24.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the AQI in critical areas of Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday (December 25). Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 366, Alipur recorded 324, and Ashok Vihar noted 373, with other essential regions showing similar AQI levels.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and adhere to guidelines to alleviate pollution.
In light of the deteriorating air quality earlier this month, Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were enacted on December 16 after AQI levels exceeded 400.
However, due to gradual improvements, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted these Stage IV restrictions on December 24. Nonetheless, regulations under Stages I, II, and III will remain in place to prevent further decline in air quality.
The AQI classifications by the CPCB range from 'good' (0-50) to 'severe plus' (above 450), with Delhi's current 'very poor' levels still posing health hazards, especially for sensitive groups. As winter progresses, monitoring air quality and implementing preventive measures is vital in the region.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of community cooperation to combat pollution and maintain the recent improvements. The National Capital is predicted to experience mixed weather conditions in the upcoming week.
