The air quality in several parts of Delhi remained in the 'severe' category on Saturday morning. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the Air Quality Index at 7 am was 422. The humidity was at 93%, and the wind speed remained very slow, causing pollutants to concentrate in the air. The AQI at Anand Vihar at 7 am was 456, at RK Puram, it was 433, and near Major Dhyanchand Stadium, it was 425.
A thick layer of smog continues to cover Delhi's skyline like a blanket.
According to news agency PTI, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a brief relief for Delhiites from November 27 due to likely improvements in meteorological conditions under the influence of a western disturbance, which is expected to affect northwest India.
According to the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's air quality early warning system, pollution levels are likely to fluctuate between the 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' categories in the next few days.
Notably, this dip in air quality follows the easing of GRAP-IV curbs. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday said that if air quality deteriorates further, GRAP IV curbs will be implemented again, and the entry of trucks into Delhi will be banned. As part of GRAP-IV protocol, construction activities in the national capital will also be prohibited.
Presently, GRAP-III regulations are in force, according to which the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles is banned.
A cyclist, speaking to news agency PTI on Friday, mentioned that the current smog in Delhi had made breathing difficult. Another cyclist said that pollution levels had decreased in the past few days. However, it was back to the 'Severe' category now.