Delhi Breathes Easy As National Capital Registers Drop In Air Pollution

Delhi residents have got relief from air pollution as the air quality improved to a 'moderate' level after enduring severe pollution for a month. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 161 at 8 am. Despite this improvement, a thin smog layer still covered the city due to winter's onset. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted a minimum temperature of 9°C with misty conditions.

Visuals from Kartavya Path showed many people jogging and walking, taking advantage of the reduced pollution levels. Previously, Delhi's AQI had been in 'very severe', 'severe', 'very poor', and 'poor' categories post-Diwali, causing breathing issues and other health problems for residents. This led to the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to combat air pollution.

Air Quality Across Delhi

The CPCB data revealed varying AQI levels across Delhi. Anand Vihar recorded 178, Chandani Chowk 194, ITO 130, Wazirpur 152, Okhla Phase 2 at 147, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 145, Patparganj at 164, Aya Nagar at 107, Lodhi Road at 128, IGI Airport (T3) at 162, and Punjabi Bagh at 152. However, areas like RK Puram had an AQI of 204, Mundka 222, Shadipur 249, Nehru Nagar 247, and Jahangirpuri 206.

An AQI between 0-50 is good; between 51-100 is satisfactory; between 101-200 is moderate; between 201-300 is poor; between 301-400 is very poor; and between 401-500 is severe. The national capital has seen a temperature drop with Thursday morning recording a minimum of 9°C.

Legal Measures and Temperature Trends

The Supreme Court recently refused to relax GRAP-IV measures aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih noted that none of the NCR states—Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—complied with its directive to compensate construction workers. The court summoned Chief Secretaries from these states for a virtual appearance on the next hearing date.

The court clarified that any relaxation would only be considered after observing a consistent downward trend in pollution levels. Meanwhile, IMD forecasts suggest temperatures could drop to around 9°C over the next five days due to cold north-westerly winds marking winter's arrival.

Agra's Air Quality

In contrast to Delhi's fluctuating air quality levels, Agra recorded a 'satisfactory' AQI this morning according to CPCB data. Images from Agra depicted a golden hue complementing the Taj Mahal under clearer skies. On Wednesday, temperatures fell by about 1.5 degrees Celsius within a day due to these cold winds.

Previously on November 29 and November 30, Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at around 11°C. These changes indicate ongoing climatic shifts as winter progresses across northern India.

The Supreme Court emphasized that top officials' involvement often accelerates compliance with directives. It plans further discussions on modifying GRAP IV applicability based on observed trends during its upcoming session on Thursday.