Delhi's air quality slips back to 'very poor' category, AQI stands at 331
Delhi air pollution: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category on Friday, after marginal improvement over the last few days, with a layer of smog shrouding several parts of the city.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 331 at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
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 relative humidity was 79 per cent at 8:30 pm, the IMD said.
The weather department has forecast mainly clear skies during the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 29 degrees Celsius.
The Delhi government had on Monday decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of its staff to work from home in view of an "improvement" in the city's air quality over the last few days. The Commission for Air Quality Management had said on Thursday that it will review the air pollution situation in Delhi on Friday.
Stage 3 of GRAP may be revoked
The Centre's air quality panel may take a call on revoking curbs in place in Delhi-NCR under stage 3 (severe) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), an official said on condition of anonymity. The panel also issued an order on Thursday, asking authorities to immediately stop polishing, varnishing and painting work at construction sites as these activities create volatile organic compounds which further increase the toxicity of the air and cause harm to human health. All construction and demolition work, except for essential projects, is banned in Delhi-NCR under stage 3 of GRAP. Brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers are also not allowed to operate.
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