Air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘poor’ category for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday.
Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 299 at 8 AM, placing it in the ‘very poor’ bracket.
On Wednesday, the city also reported overall ‘poor’ air quality, while Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 342, indicating ‘very poor’ conditions.
The continuing pollution has raised concerns among residents and authorities.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI readings on Thursday morning included Anand Vihar (299), Ashok Vihar (212), Bawana (269), Burari Crossing (220), Chandni Chowk (233), DTU (203), Dwarka Sector-8 (211), IIT Delhi (143), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (172), Mandir Marg (150), Narela (205), Nehru Nagar (232), Patparganj (195), Pusa (198), Rohini (246), Sonia Vihar (220), and Wazirpur (246).
Most areas reported air quality ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’.
Six new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations came into operation, raising Delhi’s total to 46, the highest in the country.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department and urban development departments of Delhi and NCR states, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, signed memorandums of understanding to implement a Road Asset Management System aimed at curbing road dust, a major contributor to PM10 pollution.
Delhi-NCR’s air crisis has also been referenced in a new Class 8 Social Science textbook by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, which cites ‘AQI levels over 400’ while discussing urban environmental challenges.
Even as pollution persists, temperatures are rising across North India.
Parts of Rajasthan have recorded maximum temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast a maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 14 degrees Celsius for February 26 in Delhi, increasing to 32 and 15 degrees Celsius respectively on February 27.
Strong surface winds are likely during the daytime.
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