Delhi Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement, AQI Still 'Very Poor'

Air quality in Delhi improved slightly, with the AQI decreasing to "poor" (301) from "very poor" (343) the previous day.

Air quality in Delhi improved slightly nearing to 'poor' category.

Source : PTI

The air quality in Delhi showed a slight improvement as pollution level decreased in the national capital with the Air Quality Index nearing the 'poor' category.   

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi recorded an AQI of 301 as of 9 am on Wednesday, compared to a reading of 343 at 9 am the previous day. However, smog continues to shroud the city with a thick layer engulfing the city on Wednesday as well. 

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Of the 38 monitoring stations that record air quality, none reported levels in the severe category, as per the CPCB. On Tuesday, 17 of the 39 monitoring stations in the country recorded air quality in the 'severe' category. 

Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in the city settled 0.2 notches above normal at 10.4 degrees Celsius, as per the India Meteorological Department. The weather department has forecast mainly clear sky during the day while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 27 degrees Celsius.

On Monday, the Supreme Court censured the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi police for a "serious lapse" on their part in the strict implementation of GRAP-IV measures. The apex court also directed the Commission for Air Quality Management to take action against the erring officials. 

The two-judge bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said the authorities made no efforts to implement GRAP-IV measures. 

"It is apparent that the authorities mentioned in GRAP-IV clauses 1, 2 and 3 have made no earnest efforts to implement action under clauses 1 to 3. Some police teams were deputed at a few entry points that also without any specific instructions," it said.