The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that the overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was 295 at 4 PM on Tuesday, which is in the ‘poor’ category. However, this is a significant improvement from the’very poor’ category that the city has been experiencing in recent days.

New Delhi: After days of choking on toxic air, Delhiites finally got a respite on Tuesday as the air quality improved marginally. The maximum temperature settled at 32.4 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors, as per a report carried by news agency PTI.

Air Quality Improves Slightly In New Delhi

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that the overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was 295 at 4 PM on Tuesday, which is in the ‘poor’ category. However, this is a significant improvement from the’very poor’ category that the city has been experiencing in recent days.

The improvement in air quality is attributed to a number of factors, including favorable wind conditions and the implementation of anti-pollution measures by the Delhi government. The government has banned construction and demolition activities and has also ordered the closure of schools and colleges for a few days.

Delhiites are making the most of the improved air quality by spending time outdoors. Parks are full of people enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Children are playing carefree, and adults are taking their dogs for walks.

Delhi’s 24-Hour Air Quality Index (AQI) Stood At 220

Delhi’s 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 220 at 11 AM. It came down to 216 at 9 PM, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI in the range of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100’satisfactory’, 01–200’moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301–400’very  poor’, 01–500’severe’,  and above 500’severe plus’. On Monday, the AQI was 263.

On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality turned’very poor’ (313) for the first time since May, mainly due to a drop in temperature and wind speed, which allowed pollutants to accumulate. Delhi last recorded ‘very poor’ air quality on May 17, when the AQI was 336.

Delhi Metro To Run 40 Additional Train Trips On Weekends

In a bid to reduce air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will run 40 Additional Train Trips on weekdays (Monday-Friday) across its network starting October 25, 2023. The move is part of the Graded Response Action Plan-II (GRAP-II), a set of anti-pollution measures implemented by the Delhi government when air quality levels deteriorate.

The additional train trips will be distributed across all lines of the Delhi Metro network and will operate during peak hours (morning and evening). This will help to increase the frequency of trains and reduce the waiting time for passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)