New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) The air quality in the national capital plummeted to the ‘severe’ category, with an average AQI of 401 recorded at 7 a.m. on Tuesday despite a spell of light rain
The highest Air Quality Index (AQI) was reported at the Bawana station (455), while the IHBAS Dilshad Garden station recorded the lowest at 222, placing it in the “poor” category. Prominent areas like Rohini (451), Anand Vihar (442), and Punjabi Bagh (431) also reported “severe” air quality, while Shadipur registered the lowest among the “very poor” category at 360.
Adding to the environmental concerns, Delhi experienced a chilly morning with a minimum temperature of 10.8 degrees Celcius recorded at 5.30 a.m. Light rain and a drop in temperature further accentuated the winter chill. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain or drizzle, alongside a yellow alert for fog. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 20 and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Thick fog continued to blanket parts of the city, significantly reducing visibility.
Despite the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR since December 16, air quality remains hazardous. GRAP Stage IV measures are among the most stringent to curb pollution levels.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels between 401 and 450 are classified as “severe”, while those above 450 fall into the “severe plus” category.
The Supreme Court recently directed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a firecracker ban akin to Delhi’s and emphasised stringent implementation of GRAP and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The apex court also ordered NCR states to deploy teams at Delhi’s entry points to monitor compliance with GRAP IV measures.
Residents are increasingly reporting health issues related to the pollution, including respiratory problems and eye irritation. The combination of thick fog, and toxic air has made life challenging for the people of Delhi, with many calling for stronger and more effective measures to combat the crisis.
–IANS
rs/dpb
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.