After nearly two months of grappling with “very poor” and “severe” air quality, Delhi’s pollution levels dropped significantly. On Thursday morning, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 161, placing it in the “moderate” category, the cleanest air day of December so far.
Data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said morning AQI readings stood at 145 in Ashok Vihar, 147 in Wajipur, 220 in Mundka, 198 in Jahangirpuri, 184 in Narela, 204 in R.K. Puram, 178 in Anand Vihar, 169 in Pusa, and 152 in Punjabi Bagh.
By Wednesday afternoon, 4 pm, the 24-hour average AQI had come down to 178, that is, quite a sharp fall from hazardous levels registered over the last few weeks.
Improvement started on Wednesday afternoon when AQI levels decreased from 211 in the morning to 178 by evening. Residents enjoyed clearer skies and better visibility, much-needed relief from the long stretch of toxic air.
The Supreme Court, which was closely monitoring the pollution crisis, directed the Delhi government and law enforcement agencies to implement anti-pollution measures strictly. These included construction activity restrictions, vehicle emissions controls, and industrial pollutants mitigation.
However, the India Meteorological Department has issued an alert of a possible increase in pollution levels after December 7 due to a western disturbance that is likely to hit. Moderate fog and low winds will intensify the situation. The wind speed had already decreased to 20 km/hr on Wednesday. Delhi EWS suggests that heightened vigilance will be needed in the coming days.
Authorities have initiated the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) to contain the winter surge in pollution levels. With these severe measures and constant monitoring, attempts are being made to preserve the quality of air in the capital city and safeguard public health.
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