Air Quality Index

December 24, 2024 10:30 AM

North India grapples with freezing temperatures

A biting cold wave has gripped North India, with temperatures plunging across multiple states, disrupting daily life. Delhi witnessed a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, as a thin fog blanketed parts of the city. The previous day, the capital recorded a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature reached 20 degrees Celsius. Residents of Delhi braved the chill by gathering around bonfires, while others sought refuge in night shelters as the mercury continued to...

December 18, 2024 11:02 AM

Delhi air quality remains ‘severe’; temperature drops to 5°C

Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'severe' category on Wednesday, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 442. A thin layer of smog blanketed parts of the national capital in the morning, reducing visibility. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city saw a drop in temperature from 7.4°C on Tuesday to 5°C on Wednesday morning. The AQI at 7 a.m. on Wednesday marked a further deterioration from Tuesday'...

December 16, 2024 10:25 PM

GRAP stage III re-imposed in Delhi amid ‘very poor’ air quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday imposed Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi after the city's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category. The CAQM attributed the sharp decline in air quality to "highly unfavorable meteorological conditions," which have exacerbated pollution levels. The CAQM introduced a revised version of GRAP on December 13 to address the recurring problem of winter pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP is a set of emergency...

November 26, 2024 9:12 AM

Delhi wakes up to thick smog, AQI continues to remain in “very poor” category

Delhi woke up to 'very poor' air quality on Tuesday morning, showing a slight improvement from the past week of 'severe' air quality, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. At 7 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 382, falling under the 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. A thick layer of smog covered the National Capital as the Air Quality Index in several areas continues to remain in the 'Very Poor' category. Meanwhile, the trains' movement...

November 25, 2024 9:57 PM

Supreme court refuses to ease GRAP-IV curbs amid Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to relax the stringent measures imposed under the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) in Delhi to combat severe air pollution. However, the court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider easing restrictions on educational institutions, highlighting the adverse impact on students deprived of midday meals, online learning, and access to air purifiers. The GRAP-IV measures were enforced last week after Delhi’...

November 19, 2024 11:15 AM

No respite for Delhi residents as toxic air quality persists in ‘severe plus’ category

Delhi’s air quality remained in the 'severe plus' category for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, with a thick layer of smog enveloping the city and reducing visibility significantly. At 8 a.m., the national capital recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 488, classified as ‘severe plus,’ according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas in Delhi exceeded the citywide average. Anand Vihar, Bawana, CRRI Mathura Road, and Narela registered the maxi...

November 18, 2024 11:52 AM

Delhi air pollution remains at ‘severe plus’ level, intensifying health concerns

Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 483, classified as 'severe plus.' The alarming rise in pollution prompted authorities to impose strict measures, including a ban on construction activities and restrictions on vehicle movement. Schools were closed, and government offices were advised to shift to remote work. On Sunday, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the enforcement of Stage IV of the Gr...

November 16, 2024 10:38 AM

Dense fog blankets Taj Mahal, Delhi faces severe smog and air quality crisis

A thick layer of fog engulfed the iconic Taj Mahal on Saturday, reducing visibility of the monument, which was barely visible to visitors. The dense fog, coupled with smog in the region, led to a significant decline in visibility, compared to previous days. The air quality in Agra was recorded as 'moderate,' with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 148, according to the Central Pollution Control Board at 8 a.m. However, the hazy conditions made it difficult for visitors to fully appreciate the monume...

November 10, 2024 10:10 AM

Pak: Lahore blinded by smog, Multan chokes as AQI hits 1,914

Thick smog has severely impaired visibility and air quality in Pakistan’s cities of Lahore and Multan, as pollution levels continue to rise to alarming levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Multan skyrocketed to an unprecedented 1,914, making it one of the world’s most polluted cities, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir. Lahore followed closely with a reading of 760. The extreme pollution has left authorities scrambling to implement anti-smog measures, but ineffective enforcement...

November 9, 2024 11:08 AM

Pakistan enforces emergency lockdowns in Punjab as AQI soars above 2000 in Multan

Pakistan’s Punjab province is grappling with a severe pollution crisis as air quality hits unprecedented levels. Multan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached an alarming 2,135, casting the city in a thick, hazardous smog that disrupted daily life and prompted emergency measures. In response to the worsening smog, the Punjab government has implemented strict measures, including the closure of parks, museums, and other public spaces until at least November 17. According to IQAir, a Swiss-based ai...