• Source:JND
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Delhi continued to grapple with severe air pollution as dense smog enveloped parts of the city on Sunday, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to "very poor" levels despite slight improvements. The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 335 as of 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Pollution hotspots across the city also showed marginal improvements compared to Saturday, yet remain far from safe levels.

Monitoring data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) highlighted several areas with particularly high AQI readings. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 351, Bawana 383, CRRI Mathura Road 323, Dwarka Sector 8 at 341, IGI Airport at 326, ITO 328, Lodhi Road 319, Mundka at 358, Najafgarh at 341, New Moti Bagh at 394, Okhla phase-2 at 339, RK Puram at 368 and Wazirpur at 366.

India Gate and Dhaula Kuan were blanketed in thick smog, with AQI levels reaching 357 and 394 respectively. High-rise buildings in Kalindi Kunj were similarly obscured, with the area recording an AQI of 323.

AQI readings between 301 and 400 are classified as "very poor," indicating significant health risks, while readings above 400 are deemed "severe." As pollution levels surge, healthcare professionals report a rise in respiratory issues, even among individuals without prior conditions, underscoring the health risks posed by prolonged exposure to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

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These conditions in Delhi prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement urgent measures. The commission directed intensified efforts to remove end-of-life (EoL) vehicles, including petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old, which continue to be seen on Delhi roads despite regulations.

The CAQM held a review meeting, led by its Chairperson, to assess the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which targets pollution mitigation specifically in designated hotspots and priority areas. The commission stressed the need for quicker response times to pollution-related complaints, noting that delays in addressing public grievances hinder the success of air quality initiatives. 

Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been urged to reevaluate parking fees in public areas to encourage greater public transport usage.

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Delhi Weather Updates

Delhi's temperatures remained unseasonably high, with the minimum temperature four degrees Celsius above average and the maximum three degrees higher than typical November levels. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the continued warmth is due to the absence of an active western disturbance and snowfall in northern mountainous regions. While a slight drop of about two degrees in minimum temperature is expected over the next few days, the maximum is likely to hold steady.

The IMD also forecasted a six-day stretch of smog, with light to moderate fog expected each morning. Sunday's high and low temperatures are forecasted at 32 and 18 degrees Celsius, respectively, with some areas likely experiencing evening smog and haze.