Pollution level declines after rains in Delhi-NCR, Air quality still in "poor" category

The air quality (AQI) in Delhi still remains in the poor category. However, due to the rain in Delhi-NCR on Friday, AQI has definitely improved. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), due to the rain on Friday, there was some relief from the poisonous smog.

In Delhi, on Saturday, AQI 282 was recorded in Anand Vihar, AQI 220 in RK Puram, AQI 236 in Punjabi Bagh and AQI 263 in ITO. A few days ago the AQI level in these areas was beyond 400. Delhi was gasping for air after a week of suffocating pollution, with levels of harmful particles as high as 100 times the World Health Organization's safe limit.

Last Thursday this city was the most polluted city in the world.

To reduce pollution in Delhi and ensure adherence to anti-pollution measures, Delhi Police inspected trucks carrying non-essential goods at Ghazipur and Tikri borders on Friday night, as part of GRAP 4 rules. Delhi's Air Pollution Control Plan (GRAP Stage IV) allows only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states to enter the city, except for essential services.

Delhi Police inspected trucks entering the city at the Ghazipur border on Friday night, enforcing the GRAP 4 rules, which allow entry of only CNG and electric trucks. Another team of Delhi Police at Tikri border checked trucks entering the national capital. The Meteorological Department estimates that Sunday and Monday will be partly cloudy with mist or light fog in the morning, followed by mainly clear sky and light fog in the morning on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Delhi has been blanketed by a thick layer of smog since the past few days virtually turning the city into a gas chamber. The people have been complaining of health problems following rising pollution.