AQI in Delhi: After experiencing good air quality in the first half of December, conditions in the capital worsened in the second half, resulting in severe pollution levels.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a ‘severe’ level of 474, according to live data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while the overall AQI averaged 441 on Wednesday morning (December 18, 2024).
This is about 30.07 times higher than the PM2.5 standard value set by WHO guidelines, equivalent to the health effects of smoking 10 to 11 cigarettes daily.
Meanwhile, thick fog has enveloped parts of the capital, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius.
“Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail over major parts of northwest India during the next 5-7 days,” the IMD reported. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)
Although severe air pollution is not new to Delhi – particularly during the winter months due to traffic emissions, industrial activity, construction dust and stubble burning in surrounding states – the levels recorded in 2024 reached an unprecedented high, peaking at an AQI of 494 in November. , classified as ‘serious plus’.
Air Quality Index, GRAP was implemented as revised phase IV in NCR
On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) immediately activated Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR after Delhi breached the Air Quality Index of 400 indicating ‘severe plus’ pollution levels.
After the Supreme Court directive it was decided that Stage IV measurements should be triggered by adverse weather conditions, including stagnant air and low mixing layer height, when the AQI exceeds 400.
Delhi’s pollution levels have skyrocketed. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)
the wind De in quality index (AQI).lhi-NCR was cReligiously poor, with Most areas exSuffering ‘very poor’ Take pollutionvels, as per average COCB data as of December 18, 2024; hHere’s a look at the Air Quality Index of Delhi NCT and adjoining NCR regions:
Air Quality Index in Top Metropolitan Cities of India:
Capital Delhi retains the title of India’s most polluted city, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘severe level’, according to an overview of the air quality situation in major metropolitan cities across India below, based on Live. Data from aqi.in:
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