Delhi AQI Improves To ‘Poor’ At 235 As City Wakes Up To Chilly, Windy Saturday; GRAP Stage-III Lifted

Delhi’s air quality showed signs of relief on Saturday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the ‘poor’ category after days of remaining in the ‘very poor’ bracket. The national capital awoke to a chilly, breezy morning, providing some respite from the persistent smog. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s daily average AQI declined steadily, recording an overall 235 at 8 am.

Breaking down key monitoring stations, Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 248, R.K. Puram 252, Rohini 270, and Mundka 281. Chandni Chowk’s air registered 272, while ITO recorded 219. Air quality was comparatively better in Bawana (145) and at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (148). On Friday, the AQI at 7 am was 311, improving to 236 by 4 pm, compared with 380 at the same time a day earlier. Meteorologists noted that winds averaging 12 kmph overnight helped disperse fog and improve air quality across the city.

Meanwhile, preparations for Republic Day continued at India Gate, with security personnel and parade participants carrying out rehearsals despite lingering smog that slightly reduced visibility.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported Delhi’s early morning temperature at approximately 10°C on Saturday. While fog was present in the early hours, the IMD forecasts that weather conditions are expected to improve gradually. On Friday, Delhi’s minimum and maximum temperatures were predicted to range between 8°C–9°C and 15°C–17°C, respectively.

In light of the improving air quality, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures on Friday evening. Favorable meteorological conditions played a key role in this improvement.

Authorities have urged citizens to continue adhering to the provisions outlined under Stages II and I of the GRAP citizen charter to prevent any deterioration in AQI levels. Construction and demolition sites that have received closure orders for violations or non-compliance with statutory rules and guidelines remain prohibited from resuming operations without explicit approval from the Commission.

The Sub-Committee has stated it will continue to monitor air quality closely, reviewing conditions periodically and making further decisions based on forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), as well as the AQI data from Delhi’s monitoring stations.