Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Moderate’ as Strong Winds Disperse Pollutants
New Delhi, March 29 – After days of enduring ‘poor’ air quality, Delhi saw a significant improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday morning. Thanks to favorable wind conditions, the AQI was recorded at 157 at 8 AM, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a notable drop from Friday morning’s AQI level of 231.
Delhi-NCR Air Quality Sees Widespread Improvement
Air quality across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) also witnessed improvements. While pollution levels varied across different areas, most regions reported AQI levels in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ categories:
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Delhi: 24-hour average AQI at 205 (as of 4 PM, March 28)
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Gurugram: AQI at 220 (poor category)
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Noida: AQI at 144 (moderate category)
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Greater Noida: AQI at 174 (moderate category)
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Ghaziabad: AQI improved to 248 (poor category)
These figures suggest a positive trend in regional air quality, although pollution levels in some parts remain concerning.
CAQM Enforces GRAP Stage I Measures in Delhi-NCR
Earlier this week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as air pollution reached the ‘poor’ level.
This move, based on the CPCB’s daily AQI bulletin, mandates the strict implementation of 27 specific pollution control measures. These are to be enforced by all concerned authorities, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and various state pollution control boards in the NCR.
Authorities Urge Public Cooperation to Maintain Air Quality
To sustain the air quality improvement in Delhi, authorities have appealed to the public to follow GRAP guidelines diligently. Key suggestions include:
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Keeping vehicle engines properly tuned
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Maintaining optimal tyre pressure
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Ensuring vehicles have valid pollution control certificates
Compliance with these measures is essential to prevent further deterioration of air quality as the weather conditions shift.