Air quality in the national capital is still in the “very poor” category on Thursday as the 24-hour average AQI at 8 in the morning is 341. But an opposite trend is noticed in polluted air expected to have done its worst by now because of favourable weather. After pollution reduced, the Centre’s air quality panel cancelled Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These restrictions had provided that construction activities were prohibited; restriction in the entry of vehicles emitting polluting elements except absolutely necessary vehicles; and schools were required to have hybrid classes only exempting Class X and XII students.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI was ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ in different areas of Delhi with the top three most polluted stations as R.K. Puram (AQI 391), Jahangirpuri (375) and Rohini(377).
Travel Disruptions
Fog: Icy weather continued as dense fog left Delhi roads congested. Delhi airport tweeted a fog alert and implemented low visibility measures but the flights were not affected. Still, 18 trains were affected by the reduction of visibility that followed a Weather Temperature of 7 degree Celsius as the minimum.
IMD Forecast
The IMD has continued a yellow alert for Delhi and other northern states through Sunday, attributed to the phenomenon of fresh western disturbance and consequent dense to thick fog and thunderstorms. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature may rise to 11°C by Friday before plummeting next week, with a maximum temperature of 21°C.
An IMD official said that there would be moderate to dense fog in the morning for the next three days and dense fog on Sunday. The department defines any visibility of less than 50 meters as very dense fog, which hinders movement and normal functioning.
Despite this, there are faint signs that conventional pollution levels are gradually improving although fog and resultant cold weather has not ceased to deny normalcy to the capital. The various authority call for people to still remain careful and prepared for more negative outcomes.
