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Delhi Air Quality Dips to Poor, Supreme Court Weighs Coal Industry Shift

Delhi's air quality remained in the poor to very poor category on Tuesday, with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI of 331. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider a proposal to shift coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region to ensure clean air. Meanwhile, the intense cold spell has ended, with pleasant daytime temperatures and chill now largely confined to early mornings. The IMD forecasts mainly clear skies across the city with no major alerts issued.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Poor, Supreme Court on Coal Industry Shift

  • AQI in poor to very poor category
  • Supreme Court seeks govt replies on shifting coal industries
  • Chill confined to mornings, afternoons turn warm
  • IMD forecasts clear skies, pleasant daytime conditions
2 min read

Delhi air quality dips to poor with pockets of very poor; chill largely confined to early mornings

Delhi's air quality remains poor to very poor as Supreme Court considers shifting coal-based industries out of NCR to combat pollution.

"consider a proposal to shift coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region - Supreme Court"

New Delhi, Feb 24

Delhi's air pollution on Tuesday remained in the poor to very poor category, with the highest reading recorded in Anand Vihar at 331 AQI. The weather in Delhi-NCR has also been changing frequently since the beginning of February; however, the heat has now begun shifting gears even before Holi. The chill is largely confined to early mornings and late nights, while sharp afternoon sunshine is making its presence felt across the national capital and surrounding areas.

According to the CPCB, the AQI levels recorded were: Anand Vihar (331), Ashok Vihar (252), Bawana (248), Chandni Chowk (218), DTU (221), Dwarka-Sector-8 (286), IGI Airport (T3) (260), IIT Delhi (158), ITO (269), Jahangirpuri (274), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (202), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (195), Mundka (290), Narela (232), Nehru Nagar (266), Patparganj (226), Pusa (202), R K Puram (236), Rohini (271), Vivek Vihar (262), and Wazirpur (310).

On Monday, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider a proposal to shift coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region, while agreeing to examine a suggestion to bar coal-based thermal power plants within a 300-km radius of the national capital as measures to ensure clean air.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sought replies from the Union Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Power, and Petroleum on the issue of shifting coal-based industries outside Delhi-NCR. The recommendation was proposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Meanwhile, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light fog and mist continue to be observed during the morning hours. However, no major alert or warning has been issued for the day.

As per the latest bulletin, skies will remain mainly clear across most parts of the city on Tuesday (February 24). Light fog or mist may appear in the morning, but conditions are expected to turn pleasant as the day progresses. Areas including New Delhi, North Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi, and South Delhi are likely to witness clear weather.

The intense cold spell in the national capital has officially ended. The minimum temperature is likely to range between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may rise to between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius. This comes after Delhi remained warmer than usual on Monday, with no rainfall reported across key weather stations, according to the IMD.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The weather is so confusing now! Freezing in the morning, then needing AC by afternoon. This isn't normal for February. Makes you wonder about the larger climate patterns. At least the intense cold is gone, that's a relief for my old parents. 🌞
D
David E
Living near Dwarka, the air feels heavy today. The number (286) confirms it. Shifting industries is a long-term plan, but what about today? Schools should have air purifiers, and WFH should be encouraged on bad days. Our health can't wait for bureaucratic processes.
A
Aman W
I appreciate the detailed data from CPCB, but it's just depressing to read. ITO, Jahangirpuri, Mundka all in the 260s-290s. We citizens also need to do our part - reduce private vehicles, avoid burning waste. It's a collective fight. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
The proposal to bar coal plants within 300 km is huge. It will need massive investment in alternative energy and will affect power supply & jobs. While the intent for clean air is good, the execution plan and transition strategy are crucial. Hope the ministries give a practical reply.
K
Kavya N
Morning fog and poor air quality are a terrible combo for commuters and people with asthma. The IMD says no major alert, but when AQI is 'very poor', isn't that alert enough? Authorities should be more proactive with health advisories.

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