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Delhi Air Quality Improves Slightly, Restrictions Eased
23 Jan
Summary
- Delhi's AQI dropped to 322, moving from very poor to a moderate forecast.
- Light rain and gusty winds up to 40 km/hr are predicted for Friday.
- Construction and BS-IV vehicle restrictions were lifted in the NCR region.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) registered at 322 on Thursday afternoon, a slight decrease from the previous day's reading of 330. This improvement has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift the GRAP-3 restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The lifted restrictions include the resumption of construction and demolition activities, mining, and other allied operations. Additionally, the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV vehicles has been eased with immediate effect, alongside other vehicular restrictions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Friday, anticipating light rain and winds up to 40 km/hr due to a western disturbance. Forecasts indicate Delhi's AQI is likely to stay in the 'moderate' to 'poor' category in the upcoming days.
Environmentalists suggest automating GRAP implementation based on forecasts for efficiency. Enforcement Task Force inspections from January 7-19 across the NCR identified 90 violations, with 72 show cause notices recommended.
