Delhi Pollution: The air quality in the national capital dropped back to ‘poor’ category amid rain and cold wave. The AQI was recorded at 284 on Sunday at 6 am, according to the CPCB. There has been a slight improvement in the AQI, which has been reeling under ‘very poor’ category since last week. Delhi witnessed light rainfall on Saturday, bringing respite from the pollution. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted that meteorological conditions would bring improvement in the deteriorating air quality in the coming days. Light rain and cloudy sky have been predicted for Delhi on Sunday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain at 17 and 10 degrees Celsius respectively.
AQI Across Delhi At 7 AM
Wazirpur (364), Vivek Vihar (363), Mundka (353), Nehru Nagar (333), Patparganj (339), Rohini (339),
Ashok Vihar (338), Bawana (319), Dwarka-Sector 8 (312), R K Puram (312) ITO (293), Pusa (259)
Burari Crossing (275), Najafgarh (226).
#WATCH | Thin layer of fog witnessed in parts of Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025
(Visuals from India Gate) pic.twitter.com/HluAh6Q0GO
Will Rain Bring Relief?
When residents will get relief from deteriorating air pollution is a question that keeps lingering. While there is no definite answer, experts say that favourable meteorological conditions like rain and surface winds can impact AQI. According to them, rain can help improve the air quality as precipitation washes away pollutants from the air. These pollutants are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which are considered as major contributors to the worsening air quality. Rain can lead to temporary reduction in the concentration of these harmful particles in the air.
However, experts also say that extent of improvement depends on the duration and intensity of the rain. While heavy rain is likely to have more impact, light showers offer a temporary improvement.
Anti-Pollution Measures In Effect
Talking about the anti-pollution measures in the national capital, currently GRAP I, II and III are in effect. CAQM in compliance with Supreme Court’s earlier order, invoked actions under Stage III of GRAP on Thursday. The centre’s air quality panel said, “The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 297 on 08.01.2025, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 357 at 4:0O pm on 09.01.2025 owing to calm winds and foggy conditions.”
CAQM added, “The Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decide to invoke all actions under Stage-III (‘Severe’ Air Quality of Delhi) of revised Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-l and II actions already in force.”
Furthermore, it advised all the agencies to keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the revised GRAP schedule to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further.
It assured that the sub-committee is closely monitoring the situation and will review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the AirQuality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM.
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