Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’ Amid Cold Wave

The air quality in Delhi has continued to deteriorate, reaching the higher end of the “very poor” category due to ongoing cold wave conditions. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 349 at 6 a.m. on Monday, signalling hazardous pollution levels for residents.

Delhi Faces Persistent Cold And Fog Conditions

As Delhi faces chilly weather, moderate fog is expected to cover several parts of the city, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The capital’s temperatures are expected to range between 23-26°C during the day and 8-9°C at night, continuing the cold spell.

In addition to the fog, the IMD expects Delhi to experience thunderstorms and rain on January 22 and 23, while fog will persist on other days of the week.

Delhi Air Quality Levels

Air quality remains a serious concern, as several areas in Delhi report alarming AQI levels. Some of the worst-affected areas include:

• Anand Vihar (407)
• Vivek Vihar (390)
• Wazirpur (381)
• Ashok Vihar (366)
• Chandni Chowk (347)
• Dwarka-Sector 8 (379)
• Jahangirpuri (373)
• ITO (370)
• Lodhi Road (360)
• Najafgarh (310)
• R K Puram (380)
• Rohini (370)
• Shadipur (331)

These areas are witnessing significant pollution levels, with AQI readings far exceeding the recommended safe limits.

Future Air Quality Forecast

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi indicates that the air quality will remain in the “Poor” category from January 20 to 21. Furthermore, unfavourable meteorological conditions are expected to keep the air quality in the “Very Poor” to “Poor” range for the next six days.

In response to the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday.

The decision, effective immediately across Delhi-NCR, came after air quality levels continued to worsen. However, measures under Stage I and Stage II of the plan have been intensified to prevent further deterioration.

Despite the revocation of Stage-III measures, CAQM expects the AQI to remain in the lower end of the “Very Poor” category due to strong wind speeds and unfavourable meteorological conditions, as predicted by IMD and IITM.

Fluctuating Air Quality Index

On Sunday afternoon, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 368 (“very poor”), a significant rise from Saturday’s reading of 255 (“poor”). By 8 p.m., the AQI had dropped slightly to 360, but the air quality continued to remain hazardous.

As the cold wave and poor air quality continue, Delhi faces an ongoing battle against high pollution levels, with authorities urging citizens to take precautions to protect their health.

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