Delhi’s air quality showed notable improvement on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 211, edging closer to the ‘moderate’ category. This marked an improvement from Tuesday, when the AQI stood at 268, classified as ‘poor.’
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 201 and 300 is categorized as ‘poor,’ while 101-200 is ‘moderate.’ For comparison, Monday’s AQI was 273, and Sunday’s was 285, indicating a steady decline in pollution levels over the week.
At 8 am on Wednesday, CPCB data highlighted that 15 of the 39 monitoring stations in Delhi reported ‘moderate’ air quality, while the remaining stations continued to record ‘poor’ levels. The improvement has been attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including wind patterns and lower pollutant accumulation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 12°C on Wednesday, which is 2.5°C above the seasonal average. The humidity level was measured at 68% at 8:30 am, with shallow fog predicted during the day. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 27°C.
Improving air quality has provided temporary relief to Delhi residents, who have endured hazardous pollution levels in recent weeks. However, experts caution that sustained efforts are necessary to address the underlying sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and stubble burning in neighboring states.
As the capital continues to recover from its pollution woes, the focus remains on long-term strategies to ensure clean air, including stricter enforcement of pollution control measures and promoting cleaner energy solutions. The improvement offers hope, but consistent efforts will be essential to maintain this positive trend.