Residents of Delhi awoke to marginally improved air quality on Monday morning, with the national capital recording an overall air quality index (AQI) of 279, in the “poor” category, compared to Sunday’s “very poor” AQI of 318. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a layer of haze hung over the city, slightly distorting shadows and reducing vision.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Supreme Court will consider whether to maintain emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to solve Delhi’s air pollution crisis. The decision will influence the future of limitations intended to reduce severe air quality levels. The air quality in the city has improved after Diwali. However, multiple air monitoring stations have recorded AQI readings ranging from 200 to 300, with a few still falling into the “very poor” category.
This comes as Delhi-NCR remains under the Graded Response Action Plan’s Stage 4 pollution limitations. These restrictions include a ban on truck access, except for those carrying critical commodities or using clean fuel such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also not permitted unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Construction on public projects has been halted completely.
According to the CPCB, yesterday’s 24-hour average AQI was 318, the second-best rating this month after November 2 at 316. The improvement was attributable to stronger wind speeds and clearer skies, which were supported by a minor temperature increase.
The toxic foam was discovered floating on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, indicating excessive water pollution levels, according to news agency ANI. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the city will have a cold day with temperatures ranging from a low of 12 degrees Celsius to a high of 28 degrees.