Delhi’s air quality saw a marked improvement following a winter rain shower that swept through the capital. On Sunday at 8 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 150, placing it in the “moderate”
category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While the rain added to the chilly conditions, it provided much-needed relief from the pollution.
The India Meteorological Department forecasted partly cloudy skies for Delhi-NCR, with surface winds reaching speeds of 10-15 km/h and shallow fog expected during the night hours. The temperature was recorded at 7.4°C.
In light of the improved air quality and forecast trends, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. However, citizens are urged to continue adhering to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the GRAP schedule to ensure AQI levels do not deteriorate further, particularly during the winter season when weather conditions can be unfavourable.
According to the AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the CAQM officially revoked all Stage III actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on January 22, responding to the improvement in air quality and forecast trends.
