On Thursday, Delhi residents felt relieved as the air quality index improved to a 'moderate' level after enduring persistent air pollution for the past month.
At 8 am, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 161, placing it in the 'moderate' category.
As winter begins, a thin layer of smog has covered the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi experienced a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius today, accompanied by mist.
According to CPCB data, as of 8 AM, AQI levels in Delhi range from 107 at Aya Nagar to 194 at Chandni Chowk, with Anand Vihar at 178.
Nonetheless, regions like RK Puram registered an AQI of 204, Mundka 222, Shadipur 249, Nehru Nagar 247, and Jahangirpuri 206, all classified as 'poor'.
An AQI of 0-50 is deemed good, 51-100 is acceptable, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe. Images from Kartavya Path reveal that many locals are jogging and walking in the area following a drop in pollution levels.
After Diwali, Delhi's air quality index fell into the 'very severe', 'severe', 'very poor', and 'poor' categories. Local residents reported experiencing breathing issues and various other health concerns.
The rise in the city's AQI prompted the enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to reduce air pollution. Stage IV prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-powered medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except for those providing essential services.
Delhi, the national capital, is experiencing a drop in temperature, with the minimum temperature recorded at 9 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am on Thursday.
On Monday, the Supreme Court refused to ease the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi and will address the matter with the parties involved at the next hearing.
A bench of judges, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih, noted that none of the NCR states—Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—had followed its directive to compensate construction workers. The panel has ordered the Chief Secretaries of these states to participate in the next hearing virtually. The highest court stated that progress only begins when it calls in senior officials.
The highest court also stated that it will only allow relaxations after noticing a decrease in cases and mentioned that it will listen to the parties on Thursday regarding the modifications to the applicability of GRAP IV.