Delhi recorded its coldest morning of this season at a minimum temperature of 9.2 degrees Celsius - two notches below the season's average in the national capital, officials said as reported by news agency PTI.
The Indian Meteorological Department predicted a clear sky for the day and the maximum temperature would hover around 26 degrees Celsius.
Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said, "The way wind speed is low, scientists believe that it can improve further. The government has taken the decision that until air quality improves, GRAP 3 will continue in Delhi...Other than the construction work of national importance, other construction works are prohibited. Linear projects are going on..."
"Scientists are saying that the air quality will improve in the coming 2-3 days. As per the present conditions, it was decided that GRAP III regulations will continue in Delhi for now," he added. He said, "Under GRAP III, BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles are still banned."
He said that if the pollution levels rise again, then GRAP IV could be reimposed, adding that more stringest curbs could be imposed if the air quality deteroriates and appealed to people to comply with the rules.
However, the capital is still reeling under the menace of air pollution. While the overall air quality index (AQI) has been recorded in the 'very poor' category at 373 in the morning, many parts are still in the 'severe' category. According to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board, 15 out of 38 monitoring stations recorded an AQI in the 'severe' category and 22 others recorded a 'very poor' air quality.
Delhi witnessed a marginal improvement in the air quality on Sunday after weeks of battling an intense pollution crisis. Stringent anti-pollution curbs imposed to tackle the crisis were removed on Saturday after a drop in the pollution level because of favourable wind speed. However, with the AQI increased following the easing of curbs.