Delhi-NCR Braces for
Image Source: Internet
Delhi-NCR has been hit with the strictest pollution curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the air quality plummeted to "severe" levels on Saturday, January 17. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the new restrictions a day after imposing Stage 3 restrictions, which were previously lifted on January 2. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi rose from 354 (very poor) to 416 (severe) by 6 pm on Saturday. According to the GRAP categorization, air quality is classified as poor (AQI 201-300), very poor (301-400), severe (401-450), and severe plus (above 450). The region is experiencing adverse weather conditions, including dense fog that turns into smog due to the presence of pollutants and smoke. A senior official had warned on Friday that Delhi's average AQI was likely to breach the 400-mark due to slow wind speed, stable atmosphere, and unfavorable weather parameters. Meanwhile, the national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is 3.2 notches below the season's average. However, temperatures are expected to rise gradually from January 17 to 20, with light winter rainfall activity likely in the coming days. Another cold spell is forecast between January 23 and 26, when temperatures are expected to dip again.
