Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized on Sunday that, despite recent improvements in Delhi’s air quality over the past two days, vigilance and adherence to pollution control measures are still crucial. Rai reminded the public that gains made just before Diwali, attributed to rain and favorable meteorological conditions, were compromised by firecracker usage.
“Although there has been progress, it’s essential to remain cautious and strictly follow all air pollution control measures,” the minister informed reporters.
Delhi and its surrounding areas experienced further improvement in air quality on Sunday, primarily attributed to favorable atmospheric conditions, including wind direction and speed.
At 7 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the city was recorded at 290. The 24-hour average AQI was 319 on Saturday, 405 on Friday, and 419 on Thursday.
The categorization of AQI ranges from zero to 50 as ‘good,’ 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101 to 200 as ‘moderate,’ 201 to 300 as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ 401 to 450 as ‘severe,’ and above 450 as ‘severe plus.’
Due to the decline in air pollution levels, the Centre lifted stringent restrictions on Saturday, including bans on certain construction activities and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi. These measures are part of Stage IV of the Centre’s air pollution control plan known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, a statutory body responsible for combating pollution, instructed Delhi and NCR states to revoke emergency measures that restricted entry into Delhi to only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles, excluding those in essential services.
Under Stage IV of GRAP, all non-essential medium and heavy goods vehicles were prohibited in the capital.
Rai confirmed that other restrictions under stages I, II, and III of GRAP, such as a ban on non-essential construction, mining, stone crushers, and diesel generators, would persist. The ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles would also continue.
“We will reassess these restrictions if the situation continues to improve,” the minister stated.
Predictions from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest no significant deterioration in the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR in the coming days, according to the CAQM.
