NEW DELHI: Delhi witnessed yet another day of toxic air on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘very poor’ category for the second consecutive day.
At 6 am, the overall AQI was recorded at 386, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Parts of the city were covered by a dense layer of smog, reducing visibility and enforcing the strict implementation of GRAP Stage IV measures.
AQI readings from various parts of Delhi highlighted the severity of the situation: Okhla Phase 2 (388), Alipur (407), Rohini (423), ITO (382), Ashok Vihar (339), Wajipur (432), Shadipur (387), Mundka (426), Jahangirpuri (437), Narela (472), DTU (352), RK Puram (462), Anand Vihar (423), Pusa (377) and Punjabi Bagh (417). Several locations approached or exceeded the “severe” threshold of 400.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a slight rise in Delhi-NCR’s minimum temperatures, ranging from 7 degrees Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures hovering between 21-23 degrees Celsius.
The IMD warned that smoggy conditions may persist in the coming days, with a potential intensification of the cold wave. Early mornings are expected to witness reduced visibility and chilly conditions.