The air quality of the Indian capital Delhi deteriorated due to a thick layer of smog on Monday (27 November). Earlier on Sunday, there was a slight improvement in the air quality index (AQI) to 389 in the “very poor” category compared to 414 on Friday.
It again fell into the severe category on Monday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which said RK Puram recorded an AQI of 419 at 7:00 am local time.
Other areas also recorded AQI in the severe category, with 435 in ITO, 402 in Dwarka Sector 8, 437 in Jahangirpuri and 455 in Ashok Vihar.
AQI decline in the capital, possibility of rain is expected in the coming days, which may bring some relief to the national capital.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted improvement in conditions under the influence of the western disturbance affecting northwest India from Sunday.
There is also a possibility of rain in Delhi and surrounding areas which is likely to curb pollution in the city.
Although there has been some improvement in the air quality of the capital from the skyrocketing pollution levels in recent times, it has not brought complete relief.
However, restrictions under Phases 1 to 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remained in place.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a meeting on Friday in view of the increasing pollution in the city.
“Delhi’s pollution has seen some increase. We had held a meeting regarding this. The incidents of stubble burning are very less now and the pollution level is still increasing. Scientists have cited 2-3 factors for this. The first is Gopal Rai said, “The contribution of vehicle pollution is 36 percent. The second factor is burning of biomass. “After seeing this, we took some big decisions.”