- By Kamal Kumar
- Sat, 07 Dec 2024 11:07 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
With the onset of winter, Delhi experienced the coldest day so far on Friday night with the temperature dropping to 7.1 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). While Saturday morning witnessed chilling weather, a thick layer of smog again engulfed the capital city, with the air quality remaining in the 'poor' category, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)data.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 7.1 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung and 9.4 degrees Celsius at Palam on Saturday morning, according to IMD. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted that minimum temperature is likely to drop to 6 degrees Celsius by December 10.
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As the mercury dropped below 10 a first, homeless people took refuge in the night shelters set up by the Delhi government. Night shelters have been set up in several areas of the national capital including AIIMS, Lodhi Road and Nizamuddin flyover, news agency ANI reported.
"This place has a capacity of 19 people. All the facilities are provided here. Food is also being provided here," the caretaker of a night shelter told the agency.
Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped down to the 'poor' category on Saturday. It was measured as 219 by the Central Pollution Control Board at 8 am.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax GRAP stage IV restrictions in Dehli-NCR to GRAP stage II given the betterment of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Hours, after the Supreme Court permitted the relaxation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR to GRAP Stage II, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), revoked Stages IV and III of GRAP in the region.
However, GRAP Stages II and I will continue to remain in force across the entire NCR.