The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research reported an AQI of 193, indicating a significant improvement in the city’s overall air quality to a “moderate level” (SAFAR).
On Tuesday, the city’s AQI was 286 (poor). The Delhi University region recorded PM 10 at 148 and PM 2.5 “poor” at 228 on Wednesday, whereas the IIT Delhi area recorded PM 10 at 125 and PM 2.5 at 132, which is rated as moderate.
With PM 10 levels of 140 and PM 2.5 levels of 183, the Particulate Matter (PM) level at Pusa Road was similarly noted as moderate; Mathura Road had PM 10 levels of 155 and PM 2.5 levels of 166.
The Air Quality Index is a mechanism for clearly explaining the status of air quality to the general public. It simplifies complicated information about the air quality caused by different contaminants into a single number (the index value), nomenclature, and colour.
When the air quality index is between 0 and 100, it is good; when it is between 100 and 200, it is moderate; when it is between 200 and 300, it is poor; when it is between 300 and 400, it is very poor; and when it is between 400 and 500 or higher, it is severe.
The Sub-Committee for Invoking Activities Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) met on November 18 to examine the status of the actions implemented under Stage II and Stage I of the GRAP across the entire NCR despite the continued poor air quality.
In the coming days, the overall air quality is expected to fluctuate primarily between the “poor” and lower end of the “very poor” categories, according to the dynamic model and weather/meteorological forecast supplied by IMD and IITM. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Delhi’s main surface wind is expected to be from the north or north-west.
The Commission Sub-Committee is keeping a close eye on the situation and will adjust the air quality scenario as necessary.