Delhi's AQI Slips to 'Very Poor' at 312, GRAP Stage II Measures in Focus
Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category for the first time this season on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 312 at 9 am, according to official data.
The morning reading crossed the threshold of 300, indicating worsening pollution levels in the national capital. However, the daily average AQI, which provides a broader picture of air quality, was scheduled to be released at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Under the CPCB's classification, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
The minimum temperature at the Safdarjung weather station, considered representative of Delhi, settled at 16.4 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Other weather stations also recorded relatively mild minimum temperatures. Palam registered 16.4 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road recorded 16.8 degrees, the Ridge reported 17.2 degrees, and Ayanagar registered 16.7 degrees.
No rainfall was recorded at any of the five weather stations during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, according to the IMD.
With the AQI entering the very poor range, attention is expected to turn to the implementation of additional pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
GRAP Stage II is applicable when Delhi's AQI falls in the 301-400 range. The Sub-Committee for Operationalisation of GRAP, under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), decides whether to invoke the restrictions based on prevailing air quality levels and meteorological forecasts.
The measures are aimed at curbing pollution and preventing further deterioration in air quality. The morning AQI reading of 312 signals an early seasonal setback as Delhi heads into the winter months, when unfavourable weather conditions can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants.