Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Back To ‘Very Poor’ After Brief Improvement

After a temporary improvement due to heavy rainfall, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again plummeted into the ‘very poor’ category. As of 7 a.m. on Sunday, the overall AQI was recorded at 223, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This deterioration follows a brief respite from pollution brought by recent rains, which had lifted the AQI to the ‘moderate’ category just a day earlier.

On Sunday morning, a thin fog layer blanketed the city, accompanied by a drop in temperature, with the minimum settling at 12°C. The cooler conditions have compounded the city’s ongoing battle with air pollution, trapping pollutants close to the ground and worsening visibility.

As per CPCB data, air quality levels varied across different areas of Delhi at 7 am on Sunday. Okhla Phase 2 recorded the highest AQI at 245, followed by other regions like Rohini (271), Jahangirpuri (288), Anand Vihar (287), and ITO (243). In contrast, areas such as Narela (191) and DTU (140) reported comparatively lower but still concerning levels. Overall, Delhi’s air remains in the ‘very poor’ range, posing health risks for residents.

Temporary Relief From Rainfall But No Lasting Improvement

Delhi experienced 41.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This rainfall had brought a brief improvement in air quality, as the AQI had dipped to the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday. However, the improvement was short-lived, as the AQI surged back to dangerous levels on Sunday.

The Central Government’s air quality monitoring panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), had lifted the Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday. This decision followed predictions from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology that the favourable weather conditions, including continuous rainfall, would bring further improvements. However, with the AQI now deteriorating again, the challenges posed by Delhi’s winter air quality persist.

Health Risks And Cautionary Measures

The short-lived improvement in air quality did little to mitigate the risks posed by the current ‘very poor’ AQI levels. These levels continue to threaten the health of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Health experts urge residents to limit outdoor activities and remain vigilant as winter intensifies.

Authorities have reiterated the importance of ongoing air quality monitoring and preventive measures to protect public health, highlighting that despite the temporary improvement brought by rain, the issue of air pollution in Delhi remains a long-term challenge.