Air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated to “very poor” on Monday as residents woke up to another morning of smog-covered skies, burning eyes and difficulty breathing.
The daily average AQI in Delhi continues to remain at the upper end of the very poor category, especially in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI was at 391 at 8 am on Monday.
Currently in the “very bad” category, the capital’s air quality is on the verge of turning “severe” soon.
Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that the overall air quality was likely to remain in the “very poor” category for the next few days.
Footage from around AIIMS Delhi showed toxic smog enveloping the sky as the AQI in the area was recorded at 378 this morning, indicating very poor air quality.
However, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said on Sunday that Delhi’s air quality has shown a slight improvement and decided against applying stricter restrictions under the third phase.
CAQM says that stage 3 curbs are not needed
According to the panel, the hourly average AQI in Delhi was 391 at 10 am but improved to 370 by 4 pm and further to 365 at 5 pm.
Therefore, the CAQM subcommittee decided that there is no need to apply the GRAP Stage 3 restrictions at this time. However, they said that the ongoing measures under the 1st and 2nd stages will continue in the National Capital Region.
The panel said it is monitoring the situation closely and will review the air quality scenario as needed.
GRAP Stage III curbs are typically invoked when air quality reaches “severe” levels with an AQI of 401-450.
Gurugram-Noida AQI
According to the CPCB, air quality in Noida and Greater Noida were in the “very poor” category, with an AQI of 366 and 340, respectively.
However, air quality was better in Gurugram. The Gurgoan AQI was recorded in the ‘poor’ category at 238.
