Delhi GRAP revoked: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday announced to revoke all restrictions enforced under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, following a significant improvement in air quality over the past few days. Notably, the national capital witnessed a brief downpour on Sunday, along with improvement in meteorological conditions, which led to the revocation of the GRAP.
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Delhi's aerial view[/caption]
AQI eases to ‘Moderate’ category
According to the CAQM, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 119 at 4 pm on Monday, falling in the moderate category under the official air quality classification system. Notably, the Stage-I restrictions under the GRAP were enforced, when the air quality fell into the ‘poor’ category. For the unversed, the air quality levels are classified as: Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderate (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), and Severe (401–500+). The district administration authorities also noted that the AQI is expected to freeze in the moderate range in the upcoming days, based on current forecasts.
Also read: Scorching heatwave grips Mumbai, Thane; IMD sounds yellow alert till March 11
Delhi GRAP revoked: Rainfall brings respite from air pollution
It is noteworthy that several parts of Delhi witnessed light rainfall on Sunday, which contributed to the improvement in air quality. Weather observations revealed that Safdarjung recorded 0.4 mm of rainfall, Lodhi Road saw 0.5 mm, and Ayanagar registered 0.8 mm, while Palam and Ridge also received showers. Owing to the rainfall, Delhi’s AQI stood at 97 on Monday morning, marking itself under the ‘satisfactory’ category before it climbed to 119 later in the evening. After the rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a series of gusty winds, thunderstorms and rainfall across parts of northeastern India over the next few days.
City’s temperatures edge above normal
Meanwhile, Delhi’s minimum temperature settled at 17.4°C, approximately 2.3 degrees above the seasonal average, signalling the gradual onset of summer conditions across the capital. Station-wise statistics suggested that Palam recorded 16°C, Lodhi Road 16.8°C, Ridge 15.6°C, and Ayanagar 16.4°C.