Air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday, with the city recording a 24-hour average air quality index of 330, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
At 8:00 AM on Thursday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 312.
Despite a slight improvement in pollution levels, air quality remained very poor in most parts of the national capital. According to Sameer’s CPCB application, 29 monitoring stations recorded “very poor” air quality, while nine stations fell under the “poor” category.
Nehru Nagar recorded the worst air quality in the morning with an AQI of 382.
According to the CPCB classification, an AQI between 201 and 300 is considered “poor”, 301 and 400 as “very poor” and 401 and 500 as “severe”.
According to ANI images from near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, a thick blanket of smog enveloped Delhi’s morning sky. The AQI over the Akshardham temple was recorded at 377, close to the “severe” category, according to the CPCB.
According to the air quality warning system, air quality in Delhi is expected to be in the ‘poor’ category from January 22 to January 24.
Earlier this week, Delhi experienced three consecutive days of “severe” air pollution with the AQI crossing the 400 mark on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Phase 4 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been imposed in Delhi.
However, after a slight improvement in the AQI on Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Stage 4 curbs. In the order, the commission said that measures under stages 1, 2 and 3 of the revised GRAP will, however, remain in force.
Delhi weather update
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast lightning and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph for Delhi on Thursday. The Met Office has predicted a minimum temperature of 8.0 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 25.0 degrees Celsius, with light mist likely in the morning.
The IMD has issued a yellow warning forecasting thunderstorm activity accompanied by rain in the state capital on January 23.
“Thunderstorm activity accompanied by hail, lightning and gusty winds (speed 50-60 kmph) likely over Delhi on January 23,” the weather agency said in a press release.
