With a much-needed respite from bad air, Delhi’s air quality improved to a “satisfactory” level, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) measuring 86 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The overnight rain accompanied by the chilly winds gave the much-awaited relief from the polluted air, improving the air quality significantly, which reeled under the poor category in the city for several days.
The average AQI data from CPCB was based on readings from 27 out of 40 monitoring stations across the city.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was seven notches below the season’s average, pegging at 26.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was recorded at 17.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees less than normal for the season.
The weatherman has forecast a mainly clear sky for Wednesday with minimum and maximum temperatures to hover around 16 and 28 degrees Celsius. respectively.
However, Delhi’s pollution plan GRAP stage- I remains in place to keep a check on the rise in air pollution, encountered by the city during the winter season.
Delhi’s environment minister Gopal Rai has also written to the Centre to convene a meeting of his counterparts from NCR states to work on issues contributing to Delhi’s pollution.
Notably, according to a report quoted by the Delhi minister, 69 per cent of Delhi’s total air pollution is caused by pollutants from the neighbouring states, while the city’s in-house share for the same is 31 per cent.