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Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: AQI at 248, Breathing Discomfort Persists

Delhi's overall air quality remained in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 248, causing widespread breathing discomfort. Several key monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and Rohini, recorded AQI levels in the 'very poor' range, exceeding 300. Despite the smoggy conditions reducing visibility, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued as scheduled at India Gate. While authorities have revoked the strictest GRAP restrictions due to improved meteorological conditions, they urge continued public adherence to guidelines to prevent further air quality deterioration.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Remains 'Poor' at 248, Breathing Issues Continue

  • AQI of 248 in 'Poor' category
  • Key stations in 'Very Poor' range
  • Republic Day rehearsals continue in smog
  • GRAP Stage-III restrictions revoked
2 min read

Smog shrouds Delhi as AQI remains 'Poor' at 248, breathing discomfort persists

Delhi's air quality stays 'poor' with an AQI of 248, causing breathing discomfort. Key areas hit 'very poor' levels as Republic Day rehearsals proceed in smog.

"The deteriorating air caused breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. - Central Pollution Control Board data report"

New Delhi, January 4

Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'poor' category on Sunday, with the national capital recording an overall Air Quality Index of 248, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The deteriorating air caused breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, even as residents woke up to a chilly and windy morning.

Several key monitoring stations across the city reported AQI levels in the 'very poor' range. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 350, Rohini 361, Chandni Chowk 355, Mundka 329 and R.K. Puram 322, while ITO registered an AQI of 309. Air quality was comparatively better at NSIT Dwarka and the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, both recording an AQI of 177, placing them in the 'moderate' category.

Despite the smoggy conditions, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued at India Gate, where a visible layer of smog reduced visibility. Security personnel and parade participants carried on with preparations as scheduled for the upcoming national celebrations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of around 9 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. Fog was observed during the early hours, though weather conditions are expected to improve from the afternoon. The IMD has forecast Sunday's maximum temperature to hover between 18°C and 19°C, while the minimum is likely to range from 7°C to 8°C.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas revoked Stage-III restrictions on Friday evening, citing a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions.

However, authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the guidelines under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP schedule to prevent further deterioration in air quality. The government also clarified that construction and demolition sites issued specific closure orders for violations or non-compliance with statutory norms will not be allowed to resume operations without explicit approval from the Commission.

The Sub-Committee said it will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and review conditions periodically, taking further decisions based on forecasts provided by the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini with AQI 361 is like smoking a pack of cigarettes a day without touching one. The government revokes Stage-III but what about us common people? We still have to go to work, send kids to school. Air purifiers are becoming a basic necessity, not a luxury. This is a public health emergency, year after year.
D
David E
I'm visiting from Canada and the air quality here is shocking. I have respect for the people who live here and carry on with their daily lives, including those rehearsing for Republic Day. But seeing security personnel and performers in that smog at India Gate is concerning for their health. The world should take note.
A
Aman W
The data shows a clear pattern - some areas are consistently worse. Chandni Chowk, Mundka, Anand Vihar... these are high-density areas with traffic and construction. Why is there no hyper-local action plan? One solution for all of Delhi-NCR isn't working. Also, kudos to the parade participants for their dedication despite the conditions. Jai Hind!
S
Sneha F
Every winter it's the same story. We buy masks, limit outdoor time for elders, and hope for wind. The article mentions GRAP restrictions being revoked, but as a resident, I haven't seen much difference. Construction may be officially restricted, but I still see dust and illegal burning in my locality. Enforcement is the key, not just plans on paper.
K
Karthik V
While the situation is bad, let's also acknowledge that AQI 248 is an improvement from the 'severe' levels we saw last month. The IMD forecast

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