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Delhi Air Quality Improves, Stage II GRAP Lifted
19 Feb
Summary
- Very light rain and gusty winds improved Delhi's air quality significantly.
- Stage II of GRAP has been revoked due to favorable air quality forecasts.
- Daytime temperatures dropped by 10 degrees Celsius following the rainfall.
New Delhi saw a significant improvement in its air quality on Wednesday as very light rain and gusty winds brought daytime temperatures down sharply. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 214, improving from the previous day's level.
In response to the better air quality and favorable forecasts, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These curbs had been in effect since October of the previous year.
The maximum temperature fell to 21.1°C, a drop of 10 degrees from Tuesday's reading. Scattered rainfall was recorded across the city, with stations like Palam logging 2.1mm. Despite the temporary dip, temperatures are predicted to start rising from Thursday and may reach up to 31-32°C next week.
With the revocation of stage-II GRAP, restrictions such as the ban on certain inter-state buses and limits on diesel generator usage have been lifted. However, stage-I measures will continue to be monitored across the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further pollution increases.
