Delhi air quality improves to 150 after rain, AQI in "moderate" category
New Delhi, January 25
The deteriorating air quality of Delhi witnessed a significant improvement after the winter rain showered the capital city, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 150, in the "moderate" category at 8 am on Sunday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Although the change in weather added to the chilly conditions, it brought a much-needed relief from pollution.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the Delhi-NCR will have a partly cloudy sky with surface winds reaching a speed of 10-15 km/h. There will likely be shallow fog during the night hours. The temperature stands at 7.4°C.
As fog clears, the Taj Mahal in Agra continues to make for an iconic view.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in view of the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.
While GRAP Stage III is being revoked, keeping in view the winter season when weather conditions may not always be favourable and in order to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further, citizens are requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP.
As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.
Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage III actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on January 22 in view of the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Moderate" at 150 is still not great, but it's a massive relief from the "severe" category we were stuck in. The real test is when the winds stop. Authorities need to keep the pressure on construction and vehicle pollution.
Good that GRAP Stage III is revoked, but we citizens must not become complacent. Carpooling and using public transport should continue. Our collective effort matters more than just weather changes.
Visiting from Canada and the difference is noticeable today! Went for a walk without my mask. It's beautiful to see the sun. Hope Delhi finds more permanent solutions.
While the improvement is welcome, it feels like we're just waiting for the next spike. The article mentions the citizen charter—what exactly is being done at a systemic level to reduce stubble burning and industrial emissions? That's the root cause.
My child's school had cancelled outdoor sports for weeks. Maybe they can resume now. Small joys for Delhi's kids. 😊 Let's all do our bit to keep the air cleaner.
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