New Delhi: The air quality across the national capital improved marginally on Tuesday with the region recording an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 307, in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the data recorded at 7:00 am by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi's air quality deteriorated after Diwali celebrations held on Sunday. The persistent pollution is compounded by a drop in temperatures and moderate fog.
The Delhi governemnt is taking pollution control measures to minimise the impact of the particulate matter by using water sprinkler.
Chandni Chowk recorded the capital's highest AQI at 395, in the 'very poor' category, followed by Punjabi Bagh at 355 and Aya Nagar at 354, also in the same category.
R K Puram recorded an AQI of 328, categorised as 'very poor'. The AQI around the Safdarjung area was recorded at 371, in the same category.
Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar stood at an AQI of 290 and 278, respectively, in the 'poor' category.
Narela recorded an AQI of 272 in the 'poor' category, followed by India Gate and Kartavya Path at 258 in the same category.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi registered a morning temperature of 17.0°C accompanied by moderate fog.
The IMD has predicted moderate fog to remain persistent for the next five days.
Since the air quality is still in the 'very poor' category, GRAP III curbs have been imposed across Delhi-NCR.
GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold.
Under GRAP-III, there are strict restrictions on dust generating/air pollution causing Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities in the entire NCR.
The first stage, GRAP-I, kicks in when the AQI is between 201 and 300; the second stage, GRAP-II, is invoked when the AQI is between 301 and 400; GRAP-III kicks in between 401 and 500; and GRAP-IV is invoked when the AQI is more than 450.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)