Delhi Pollution: AQI Slips To ‘Poor’ Category, Rain Lashes Parts Of City

Delhi Pollution: Pollution level in Delhi sharply deteriorated early Monday morning pushing the Air Quality Index back to the ‘poor’ category. The overall AQI in the capital stood at 242 at 6 am today after light rain lashed parts of the capital on Sunday evening.

The air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day on Monday. The city is likely to experience worsening pollution levels in the coming days due to a western disturbance.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the following AQIs were reported in different parts of Delhi as of 6 am today: Chandni Chowk (223), Ashok Vihar (264), Wajipur (306), Mundka (324), Jahangirpuri (274), Narela (262), R.K. Puram (269), Anand Vihar (286), Pusa (236), and Punjabi Bagh (291).

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet noted, “Winds blew around 5-8 km per hour on Saturday and remained mostly calm at night, which resulted in deterioration in AQI. They picked up again on Sunday and must remain consistent.”

How Is the Cold Wave Contributing To Delhi’s Worsening Air Quality?

The temperature inversion phenomenon frequently occurs during the cold season. The dispersion of pollutants is prevented during the cold wave as a layer of warmer air traps the cooler air below. The cold wave is playing a significant role in the continuous decline of air quality, keeping the pollution levels high. Additionally, slow wind speed is also preventing the air movement and clearing of pollutants.

According to IMD, the temperature is expected to decrease in Punjab, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana after December 9 and cold wave conditions may also develop. 

With the onset of the winter season, people were seen seeking shelter in night shelter homes.

Watch visuals from a shelter home in Lodhi Road, Delhi.

#WATCH | Delhi: People take shelter in night shelter homes as winter season approaches.

(Visuals from a shelter home in Lodhi Road) pic.twitter.com/SJCFbqi7S0

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2024

The decline in air quality comes a few days after the Supreme Court permitted relaxation in Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures across Delhi, shifting to Stage 2 restriction from Stage 4.