Synopsis
Delhi continues to face poor air quality for the second day, with an AQI of 264 recorded. Foggy weather is disrupting train and flight services, while the IMD forecasts a cold wave with a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius.Key Takeaways
- Delhi's AQI remains at 264, indicating poor air quality.
- Transportation services are severely impacted by dense fog.
- Minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 11 degrees Celsius.
- Several areas report AQI levels breaching the very poor category.
- The government has lifted some restrictions on air quality measures.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The air quality in Delhi remains classified as ‘poor’ for the second consecutive day this week, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 264 at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Furthermore, the foggy conditions have notably impacted transportation services.
Meanwhile, the national capital is still under the influence of a cold wave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, accompanied by moderate fog. A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms and lightning over Delhi, with predictions of rain.
The fog has caused significant disruptions in transportation. Nine trains scheduled to arrive in Delhi from various regions faced delays due to poor visibility resulting from the dense fog. Similarly, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport encountered delays for several departures and arrivals.
The maximum temperature is predicted to vary between 21 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius.
Multiple locations in Delhi reported concerning AQI levels, with Anand Vihar (312), Rohini (301), and Bawana (314) surpassing the ‘very poor’ threshold. Other areas such as ITO (313), Jahangirpuri (294), and Patparganj (289) exhibited slightly better yet alarming conditions. Shadipur, with an AQI of 174, remains in the ‘moderate’ category, offering some respite.
Although there has been a slight improvement from the ‘very poor’ category noted last week, pollution levels continue to pose health risks, particularly in sensitive regions.
Earlier on Friday, the Centre's air quality panel lifted restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and nearby areas as air quality showed signs of improvement.
This decision came a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management rescinded GRAP 4 following a reduction in air pollution levels across Delhi-NCR.
The CAQM mentioned in a statement that its sub-committee on GRAP convened on Friday to evaluate the air quality situation in the area along with the forecasts from the IMD/IITM.
