After seeing smog for days, the residents of the national capital woke up to a fresh spell of rain. After the light rainfall, the AQI saw a marginal drop in the city. The overall air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'severe' category on Friday morning, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reacorded at around 6 AM.
According to the data issued by the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), AQI in Ashok Vihar was recorded at 462 (severe), while in the RK Puram area, the AQI stood at 461 (severe category). In Punjabi Bagh, AQI was recorded at 460 (severe), while ITO stands at 464 (severe category).
However, the quality of air improved slightly in some areas and was recorded in 'very poor' category. However, the city witnessed a marginal dip in the Air Quality Index (AQI) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 347 (very poor), while at Lodhi Road it stood at 360 (very poor). The marginal drop was seen after a light rainfall on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
Following the change in weather, a local said, "Weather is better today after the rain. Earlier there was smog everywhere, but today it is good. Elderly people must take care of themselves and come out of the house with masks."
The issue of stubble burning in Punjab, however, still looms large. On Thursday, incidents of stubble burning occured in Punjab's Ramgarh village.
Officials made efforts to douse the fire in the fields in the state.