Delhi AQI Sees Slight Respite Before Expected Deterioration; GRAP 3 Restrictions Lifted
Image Source: Internet
Delhi residents woke up to clearer skies on Saturday, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) recording a moderate 235 at 8 am. This improvement, driven by strong surface winds, brought relief to the city after weeks of 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. However, the respite is expected to be short-lived, as forecasts indicate a return to 'very poor' air quality from Sunday to Tuesday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday, citing the city's improved air quality. This rollback allows private construction and demolition activities, mining, and vehicular operations to resume. However, restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2, including the prohibition of interstate buses from NCR states, will remain in place. Delhi is also bracing for a cold wave, with icy-cold northwesterly winds expected to lead to a sustained drop in minimum temperature. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog over the weekend, with minimum temperatures forecast to dip by 2-3 degrees Celsius. While the city experiences this brief respite, authorities urge residents to follow citizen guidelines to prevent air quality from deteriorating again. The outlook for the next six days suggests Delhi will face at least eight consecutive days of 'very poor' air quality, beginning Sunday.
