Delhi air quality enters poor category ahead of Diwali
The city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261 on Sunday as anti-pollution curbs came into effect.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) dipped into the poor category on Sunday, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261, which is a 144-point increase from the moderate 117 recorded a day earlier.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the AQI continued to rise throughout the day, reaching 290 by 11pm. This follows a period of respite on Friday when heavy rains and winds brought the AQI to a satisfactory 60.
The Delhi winter pollution action plan came into effect on Sunday. The plan bars non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards, bans dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction, and mandates 50 per cent office attendance with work from home.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast suggests the AQI may remain poor on Monday and Tuesday, potentially reaching the very poor category by Wednesday. The outlook for the following six days indicates air quality is likely to stay between the very poor and poor categories.
Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) showed that stubble burning's contribution to Delhi's pollution rose to 18.57 per cent on Sunday, up from 5.33 per cent on Saturday. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 18 degrees on Sunday, which was 1.9 degrees below the seasonal average.