Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Remains in 'Poor' Category, Area-Wise Levels Reported

Delhi's air quality continues to stay in the "poor" category, though slight improvement was observed on Thursday due to favorable wind conditions dispersing pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at ITO was recorded at 287, while dense smog lingered over areas like Dhaula Kuan, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Earlier, AQI levels were 291 on Tuesday and 309 on Monday.

Levels of key pollutants PM10 and PM2.5 showed a decline, with PM10 measured at 175.2 µg/m³, down from 260 µg/m³ the previous day, and PM2.5 at 85.5 µg/m³, compared to 128.2 µg/m³ on Tuesday. Out of 38 monitoring stations, 28 reported air quality in the "very poor" category with readings above 300, as per the CPCB's Sameer app.

Sources of Pollution:

Vehicular emissions contributed 16.8% to overall pollution, while other unidentified sources accounted for 44% of PM2.5 levels, according to the Decision Support System (DSS). Satellite data showed 94 stubble-burning cases in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 74 in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

Weather & Forecast:

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicted that wind speeds would drop below 10 kmph from the northwest in the evening and night on Wednesday, likely keeping air quality in the "very poor" category between November 6 and 8.

Westerly winds of up to 15 kmph prevailed over the city in the last 24 hours, helping disperse pollutants, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Since Diwali, Delhi's air quality has fluctuated between "poor" and "very poor", occasionally reaching the "severe" category.

Temperature:

The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 30.4°C, 1.6°C above the seasonal average, and the minimum was 18.4°C. IMD forecasts mainly clear skies for Thursday, with temperatures likely ranging between 32°C and 18°C.

(With inputs from agencies)