Delhi’s Air Quality Persists in ‘Poor’ Category for Second Consecutive Day Following Rainfall

On Sunday morning, the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB data revealed AQI readings of 266 in Anand Vihar, 241 in RK Puram, 233 in Punjabi Bagh, and 227 in the ITO area at 7:00 am.

Despite a slight improvement in air quality on Saturday following Friday’s rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained a concern for residents. Vehicles entering the city are being inspected by officials in adherence to the pollution-related GRAP 4 regulations.

While the rain provided some relief, a resident expressed that although pollution had slightly decreased, the air quality condition persisted, causing difficulties in breathing.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday that the implementation of the odd-even car-rationing scheme in the city would be delayed. There was also a decrease in pollutant levels PM 2.5 and PM10 after 4 am across Delhi and its surrounding areas.

For the next two days post-Diwali Sunday, the weather department forecast a partly cloudy sky with mist or shallow fog in the mornings, followed by mainly clear skies with shallow fog in the mornings for the subsequent two days.

The Delhi government is actively working on anti-pollution measures and is considering the possibility of ‘artificial rain’ to address the pollution issue. Currently, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in effect in the national capital.

Expressing grave concern over hazardous air quality, the Supreme Court directed an immediate halt to stubble burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, citing it as a major contributor to air pollution.