Air Quality In Delhi Drops To 'Poor' Category Nearly Two Weeks Ahead Of Diwali

A dense fog engulfed Delhi on Saturday (19 October), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital falling to 251, which is classified as 'Poor' by the Central Pollution Control Board.

While the AQI around India Gate was labelled as 'Poor', other areas of national capital including Anand Vihar, witnessed a significant drop, with AQI readings touching 334, falling under the 'Very Poor' category, News18 reported.

The drop in AQI levels in Delhi comes nearly two weeks ahead of Diwali.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI when marked under the ‘Poor’ category can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, whereas, when under the ‘Very Poor’ category, it can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

The Delhi government on Tuesday announced the strict implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality in the national capital.

Adding to the pollution, temperatures remain higher than usual, with the IMD reporting maximum temperatures of around 34-35 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures dropping to 18 degrees Celsius.

The current wind patterns are contributing to stagnant air, trapping pollutants, and exacerbating the already critical situation.

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