Delhi sees surge in air pollution as AQI hits poor category after 112 days

After three months and 19 days, Delhi residents experienced a sharp drop in air quality on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 235, placing it in the poor category.

This is the first time since June 5, 2024, when the AQI hit 248, that the city has encountered such poor air quality, according to official data.

The transport sector is currently the leading cause of Delhi’s air pollution, as reported by the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi.

On Tuesday, the AQI was recorded in the “moderate” category with a reading of 197 up until 4 PM, based on information from the Central Pollution Control Board.

That same day, Environment Minister Gopal Rai introduced the Winter Action Plan, featuring 21 targeted initiatives to tackle air pollution in the capital.

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The plan includes an anti-dust drive, enhanced road sweeping, water sprinkling, pollution mitigation awards, public awareness efforts, and strategies to reduce stubble burning.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi on Wednesday was 37.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above the seasonal average, according to the IMD.

The minimum temperature was 26.8 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees higher than normal, with humidity levels at 60% by 5:30 PM.

The weather department has forecast a partly cloudy sky on Thursday, along with light rain and thundershowers.

Temperatures are expected to range from a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius to a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from PTI)