Delhi’s air quality remained in the very poor category on Tuesday, even though the minimum temperature slipped to 9.8 degrees Celsius.
The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) read 329, which stood at 389 on Monday. The city had recorded air quality in the severe category for the third consecutive day.
Delhi had recorded a marginal improvement in air quality due to favourable wind speed. The neighbouring cities also saw some improvement in AQI compared to the readings the previous day, with some moving to poor from very poor.
Delhi’s neighbouring regions Gurgaon recorded 346 AQI, Ghaziabad recorded 291 AQI, Faridabad recorded 274 AQI, Greater Noida 272 AQI, and Noida 298 AQI.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that the minimum temperature in the morning was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius.
The relative humidity was around 88 percent at 9:30 AM.
The national capital on November 17 had recorded the lowest minimum temperature of the season so far at 9.6 degrees Celsius.
Also read: Air pollution level in Delhi up again (AQI/403); no respite till Monday
Delhi had recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius on Monday. The maximum temperature had stood at 26.1 degrees Celsius, a notch below the normal.
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature on Tuesday is likely to settle around 26 degrees Celsius.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ air quality monitor SAFAR on Monday had indicated that favourable local surface wind speed on Tuesday is likely to bring slight relief.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said on Monday that the ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi would continue till further orders in view of the high air pollution levels.
“The ban on the entry of trucks, barring those engaged in essential services, will continue till December 7, while CNG and electric trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi,” Rai said after a review meeting with officials of departments concerned.
AQI of Delhi’s neighbouring cities
- Gurgaon 346 AQI
- Noida 298 AQI
- Ghaziabad recorded 291 AQI
- Faridabad recorded 274 AQI
- Greater Noida 272 AQI
(With inputs from Agencies)