Smog blankets parts of Delhi-NCR as AQI stays in 'poor' category at 294

Pic/PTI

A thin layer of smog enveloped several parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) across the national capital recorded at 294, placing it in the "poor" category at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path showed smog lingering over central Delhi. Similar conditions were observed near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, where haze persisted during the early morning hours.

Several areas record ‘very poor' air quality levels

As per CPCB data, the AQI near India Gate stood at 240, categorised as "poor". In Pandav Nagar, the AQI was recorded at 362, falling in the "very poor" category.

Several air quality monitoring stations across the city reported elevated pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 362, while Ashok Vihar stood at 348. Bawana reported 340, Burari 309, and Chandni Chowk 319. Dwarka Sector 8 and ITO both recorded AQI levels of 312, while Mundka stood at 314. Okhla Phase-2 registered 325, Rohini 359, Punjabi Bagh 337, and Wazirpur 363. Narela recorded an AQI of 286, Alipur 289, and RK Puram 317.

IMD forecasts rain and gusty winds during the day

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds during the day. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected during the morning, forenoon, afternoon, evening, and night. The temperature is likely to range between 19 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius.

Stage III of GRAP revoked amid improving conditions

In a related development, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in view of improved air quality levels and favourable forecast trends.

Authorities urge adherence to GRAP norms

However, considering the winter season and the possibility of unfavourable weather conditions, authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP framework to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

According to AQI classification, values between 0 and 50 are considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 ‘severe'.