Delhi Air Quality Remains 'Poor', Minimum Temperature Plummets To Season's Lowest

The AQI at Delhi University was 315, amongst the highest in the national capital, while at IIT Delhi, the AQI stood at 266.

The air quality in Delhi-NCR region continued to remain in the 'Poor' category on Friday morning as a thick layer of smog covered the national capital. The overall AQI (Air Quality Index) settled at 283, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), reported news agency ANI. The AQI at Delhi University was 315, amongst the highest in the national capital, while at IIT Delhi, the AQI stood at 266. Adjoining cities of Gurugram and Noida recorded AQI of 314 and 315, respectively.

A similar situation persisted on Thursday as the air quality index plunged to 249. However, on Wednesday, Delhiites got some relief with smog clearing partially and AQI recording 176. 

The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while 100 to 200 falls in the moderate category. Anything between 200 to 300 is considered poor, 300 to 400 is very poor and from 400 to 500 or above is considered as severe.

The Commission for Air Quality Management had on Monday directed authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan with immediate effect.

The curbs under stage 3 included a ban on construction and demolition activities, barring essential projects.

Coldest Morning In Delhi

Meanwhile, the national capital recorded its coldest morning of this season as the night temperature settled at 9.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below the normal, according to India Meteorological Department, reported PTI.

The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 26 degrees celsius on Friday as IMD has forecast mainly clear skies throughout the day. The relative humidity at 8.30 am was 79 per cent.