Air Quality Commission Evokes Stage One GRAP Restrictions As Delhi’s Air Quality Dips to ‘Poor’ Category

As the Delhi air quality index (AQI) plunged into the ‘poor’ category on Monday, the Commission for Air-Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) will again evoke stage one of the graded response action plan (GRAP). Delhi’s air quality remained under the ‘moderate’ category for eight days until Monday, during which restrictions were dropped.

“AQI of Delhi has shown the trend due to variable surface wind and unfavourable meteorological conditions in Delhi NCR,” said the order released on Monday by the commission for air-quality management. Other than surface winds, clear skies have also influenced the meteorological conditions in the city. The maximum temperature on Monday (36°C) was around 5° above normal, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). 

AQI So Far

The average AQI for Sunday was 194, which saw an increase to 206 on Monday. The capital city so far has reported four ‘poor’ (201-300) air days, 19 ‘moderate’ (101-200) air days and only two ‘satisfactory’ (51-100) air days.

The city is expected to see clear skies again by Wednesday, after which strong surface winds are forecast by the meteorological office. This is expected to lower the temperature by a degree or two.