Air quality improves to ‘very poor’, SC to decide on GRAP restrictions today
Delhi’s air quality showed minor improvement on Sunday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 318 (very poor category), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This marks an improvement from Saturday’s “severe” AQI of 412. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will decide on easing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions on Monday.
As per the SAMEER app, none of Delhi’s 38 monitoring stations reported “severe” air quality on Sunday, compared to 20 stations the previous day. The CPCB identified PM2.5 as the predominant pollutant, with levels recorded at 138 micrograms per cubic metre by 3 pm.
Particulate matter like PM2.5, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres, is especially hazardous as it can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.
The Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS) attributed 18.1 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday to vehicular emissions, while stubble burning contributed 19 per cent on Saturday. The DSS provides real-time insights into pollution sources to aid mitigation strategies.
Delhi’s air quality had hit a seasonal high AQI of 495 last Monday, prompting Stage-IV restrictions under the Supreme Court-mandated GRAP.
Smog and mist continued to envelop the city in the morning, reducing visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a daytime high of 29.1°C, two degrees above normal. While according to the forecast, moderate fog is expected for Monday, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 12°C.
