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Delhi's Air Quality Improves to 'Poor' Amid Chilly Republic Day Rehearsals

Delhi's air quality has improved from 'very poor' to 'poor', with an overall AQI of 222 recorded on Saturday. Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate despite visible smog and chilly morning temperatures around 10°C. The CAQM sub-committee revoked Stage-III of GRAP due to better meteorological conditions, while urging continued adherence to Stages II and I. The IMD forecasts slightly warmer temperatures, with close monitoring of air quality to guide further decisions.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Improves to 'Poor' as Republic Day Rehearsals Continue

  • AQI improves to 'poor'
  • Republic Day rehearsals continue
  • GRAP Stage-III revoked
  • Chilly temperatures persist
2 min read

Delhi wakes up to chilly morning as AQI improves; Republic Day rehearsals continue

Delhi's air quality improves from 'very poor' to 'poor' as chilly Republic Day rehearsals proceed. GRAP Stage-III revoked amid better conditions.

"The Sub-Committee on GRAP revoked Stage-III following a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions. - CAQM Release"

New Delhi, January 3

Delhi Air Quality Index has improved to 'poor' days after being in the 'very poor' category as the national capital woke up to a chilly and windy morning on Saturday.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the daily average AQI continued to decline, with the city recording an overall AQI of 222.

Among key monitoring stations, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 248, R.K. Puram 252, Rohini 270 and Mundka 281. Chandni Chowk registered an AQI of 272, while ITO recorded 219. Air quality was relatively better at Bawana (AQI 145) and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (AQI 148).

Meanwhile, Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate, with security personnel and parade participants carrying on preparations for the upcoming national celebrations. A layer of smog was visible in the area, reducing visibility, even as rehearsals proceeded as scheduled.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi recorded a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning. Fog was observed in the early hours, but weather conditions are likely to improve from today onward.

According to IMD, Delhi's maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday are expected to range from 15°C to 17°C and from 8°C to 9°C, respectively.

The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III of GRAP on Friday evening, following a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions.

The government has urged people to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP so that the AQI level does not slip further.

Construction and demolition project sites that have been issued specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliance with statutory directions, rules or guidelines will not be permitted to resume operations without explicit approval from the Commission, according to a release.

According to a release, the Sub-Committee shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The rehearsals at India Gate in this smog... our jawans and participants are so dedicated. Salute to their spirit. But the government should really think about scheduling these early morning practices a bit later when visibility is better, for everyone's safety.
A
Arjun K
Look at the difference between stations! Mundka at 281 and Bawana at 145. Shows how localized the problem is. The GRAP measures need to be hyper-local, not one-size-fits-all for the entire NCR.
S
Sarah B
I live near RK Puram. The AQI here is 252, which is still very unhealthy. Just calling it 'poor' instead of 'very poor' doesn't change the fact that the air is dangerous. We need sustained, year-round action, not just reactions when it hits emergency levels.
V
Vikram M
Good that Stage-III is revoked. The construction ban was affecting daily wage workers badly. But the warning is clear - if we slip back, restrictions return. Hope citizens and industries both follow the charter.
M
Meera T
Chilly morning with slightly better air is a welcome change. Perfect weather for a cup of chai! ☕ Hope the improvement holds through Republic Day. It would be great to see clear skies during the parade for a change.

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