Delhi woke up to a relatively cleaner morning on Saturday as the city Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the ‘poor’ category, bringing some relief after days of ‘very poor’ pollution levels. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall AQI stood at 235 at 8 am, aided by stronger winds and a drop in fog intensity.
The improvement marked a steady decline in pollution levels over the past 24 hours. On Friday morning, the AQI was recorded at 311, which reduced further to 236 by late afternoon, compared to 380 at the same time a day earlier. Weather officials said average wind speeds of around 12 kmph overnight helped disperse pollutants and lift dense fog across the region.
Data from key monitoring stations showed mixed but improving trends. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 248, R.K. Puram 252, Rohini 270 and Mundka 281. Chandni Chowk stood at 272, while ITO recorded a comparatively better AQI of 219. Cleaner air was reported in parts of outer Delhi, with Bawana registering an AQI of 145 and the Indira Gandhi International Airport area at 148.
The India Meteorological Department said Delhi experienced a chilly and windy morning with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius. Fog was observed during early hours, but visibility conditions improved as the day progressed. The department forecast maximum temperatures between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures ranging from 8 to 9 degrees Celsius, with overall weather conditions expected to improve further in the coming days.
In view of the improvement in air quality, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas revoked Stage III restrictions on Friday evening. The decision was taken after a review of pollution levels and favourable meteorological forecasts.
However, authorities urged citizens to continue strictly following the guidelines prescribed under GRAP Stages I and II to prevent pollution levels from deteriorating again. Officials cautioned that construction and demolition sites that were earlier shut due to violations would not be allowed to resume work without explicit approval from the Commission.
Despite the improved AQI, a thin layer of smog remained visible in some areas, including around India Gate, where Republic Day parade rehearsals continued as scheduled. Security personnel and participants carried on preparations amid reduced visibility.
The CAQM sub-committee said it would closely monitor air quality trends and meteorological forecasts in the coming days and take further action if required to ensure pollution levels remain under control.