Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor’, shows signs of improvement

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category on Thursday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 341 at 8 am. Despite this, experts predict that air quality may improve soon due to favorable weather conditions.

The central panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality lifted Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as pollution levels dipped recently. These restrictions had included a ban on construction activities, entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and shifting most school classes to hybrid mode, except for grades 10 and 12.

As of 6 am on Thursday, AQI levels at various Delhi locations were: R.K. Puram: 39, Jahangirpuri: 375, Vivek Vihar: 372, Anand Vihar: 370, Rohini: 377, Punjabi Bagh: 363, other areas ranged between 297 and 366.

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Adding to the challenges, dense fog blanketed parts of the city, bringing the minimum temperature down to 7°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more foggy conditions. This weather has also disrupted train services, with 18 trains arriving in Delhi delayed.

While Delhi’s air quality remains a concern, residents can hope for improvement as weather conditions become more favourable. Currently, Delhiites have been facing several health issues such as respiratory problems and lung infection. Senior citizens and children are on the receiving end.