New Delhi: There was some relief for residents after Delhi registered a modest improvement in air quality on Tuesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 203 (unhealthy) from 410 the previous day, allowing people a “breather” in the true sense.
This came after the national capital recorded its worst January AQI in five years till Monday, prompting sustained GRAP Stage IV measures. The situation had turned so grim at one point of time that several countries had issued advisories to their citizens against moving out without reason.
The Air Quality Early Warning System reported severe conditions peaking at AQI 410 on Monday afternoon, due to stagnant pollutants. By Tuesday morning, New Delhi’s real-time AQI stood at 203, with PM2.5 at 123 µg/m³ and PM10 at 162 µg/m³, shifting from hazardous to unhealthy. Areas like Anand Vihar and other locations recorded this trend, though still on the higher side.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the moderate improvement in the capital’s air quality was due to stronger winds up to 14 km/h, which helped in dispersion, breaking the static conditions that trapped emissions from vehicles, industries, and stubble burning.
Low ventilation had earlier resulted in worsening the situation, but shifting patterns along with cooler temperatures (21°C) helped dilute toxins temporarily. GRAP enforcement contributed marginally.
