Residents of Delhi woke up to a slight improvement in air quality on Monday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 279, categorized as “poor,” down from Sunday’s “very poor” AQI of 318. Despite this, a layer of haze covered the city, reducing visibility, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On the same day, the Supreme Court is set to review whether to extend emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat Delhi’s air pollution. The outcome will determine the continuation of restrictions aimed at addressing hazardous air quality levels.
Following Diwali, the city’s air quality has improved, although several monitoring stations still report AQI levels between 200 and 300, with a few areas remaining in the “very poor” range.
Delhi-NCR continues to operate under Stage 4 pollution curbs, which include a ban on truck entry, except for those carrying essential goods or using cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also banned unless they meet the same fuel standards. Additionally, all construction work for public projects has been suspended.
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The CPCB recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 318, marking the second-lowest reading this month, after November 2, when it was 316. The improvement is attributed to stronger winds and clearer skies, coupled with a slight rise in temperature.
However, toxic foam was spotted on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, indicating high water pollution levels, as reported by ANI.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a cold day, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 28°C.