New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Air quality in the capital showed a mild improvement on Sunday morning, offering residents a brief respite from the choking conditions of recent days. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 196 at 7 am, placing it in the ‘moderate’ range.
This marked a noticeable dip from Saturday evening, when the AQI had climbed to 227 and was categorised as ‘poor’. Despite the marginal improvement in overall figures, a visible haze continued to linger across several localities, underscoring that pollution remains a persistent challenge.
Mixed picture across neighbourhoods
Pollution levels varied sharply across the city. Western and northern parts continued to report unhealthy air, with Mundka recording the highest AQI at 266. Pusa followed closely at 257, while Narela and Rohini registered readings of 247 each. Ashok Vihar and Jahangirpuri also remained in the ‘poor’ category, along with Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk.
On the other hand, several areas experienced relatively cleaner air. Sri Aurobindo Marg recorded the lowest AQI at 126. Other locations such as IGI Airport, Aya Nagar, Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi and ITO stayed within the ‘moderate’ bracket, with readings hovering around 130 to 140.
Forecast suggests limited relief
The Air Quality Early Warning System has cautioned that the improvement may be short-lived. Air quality is expected to oscillate between ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’ through Sunday, with a higher probability of returning to the ‘poor’ category by Monday. Projections for the next few days indicate that pollution levels are likely to remain elevated, with no significant drop anticipated.
Metro stations get anti-smog cover
As part of efforts to curb pollution, the Delhi government has intensified measures at high-footfall public spaces. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced the completion of mist spray systems and anti-smog guns at all elevated metro stations. In total, 131 mist sprayers and 12 anti-smog guns have been installed across 143 stations operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Officials said these systems are aimed at reducing dust and particulate matter, especially in areas where commuter traffic is heavy and pollution tends to accumulate.
Cold mornings, misty start
Weather conditions on Sunday added to the subdued visibility. The city woke up to foggy conditions and a slight chill, with the India Meteorological Department predicting largely clear skies later in the day along with the possibility of morning mist. Minimum temperatures are expected to range between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures may touch 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
With stable weather and limited wind movement forecast for the coming week, experts warn that sustained improvement in air quality may remain elusive for now.
