Delhi woke up to light rain on Thursday morning, providing a temporary break from the city’s ongoing air pollution.
Despite the showers, the air quality remained “poor,” with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 262 recorded at 6 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
IMD Forecasts More Showers
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued light rain throughout the day. The temperature is expected to range between a maximum of 22°C and a minimum of 12°C.
However, the rain is unlikely to provide a long-term solution to the city’s air quality concerns. Experts have warned that while light rain can settle dust particles and marginally improve air quality, this relief is only temporary without sustained precipitation or stronger winds.
Delhi Dense Fog & Delayed Flights
The combination of low temperatures and foggy conditions further worsened the situation on Thursday morning. Visibility was severely affected, leading to several flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The fog blanketed the city, disrupting early morning activities and making commuting challenging for residents.
Delhi Air Quality Worsen
While the rain provided a brief respite, air quality remained a significant concern in Delhi. Various areas across the city recorded high AQI readings, with many regions remaining in the “poor” category. Some key areas and their AQI values included:
- Anand Vihar: 320 (very poor)
- Jahangirpuri: 317 (very poor)
- Vivek Vihar: 305 (poor)
- Wazirpur: 289 (poor)
- Okhla Phase-2: 269 (poor)
- Rohini: 298 (poor)
- Ashok Vihar: 291 (poor)
- Patparganj: 287 (poor)
- Pusa: 268 (poor)
- ITO: 263 (poor)
- Najafgarh: 234 (moderate)
- R K Puram: 249 (poor)
- Shadipur: 203 (moderate)
Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri topped the list with “very poor” air quality, while most other regions remained in the “poor” category.
Experts continue to advise residents to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as the current AQI levels pose a serious health risk to vulnerable groups.
GRAP Stage 4 restrictions In Delhi-NCR
In response to the fluctuating air quality, the Centre’s air quality panel recently revoked the Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and its neighboring areas. This move came after the air quality showed signs of improvement. Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) rolled back GRAP Stage 4 restrictions, as air pollution levels dipped in the Delhi-NCR region.
Following a meeting to review the air quality scenario, the CAQM’s sub-committee also assessed the IMD/IITM forecasts to ensure timely action in managing air pollution.
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