Supreme Court to decide on stringent pollution curbs as Delhi's air quality edges up

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi residents woke up to slightly improved air quality on Monday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 279, which falls in the "poor" category, compared to Sunday’s "very poor" AQI of 318. A layer of haze covered the city, reducing visibility and slightly blurring the skyline, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review on Monday whether to extend the emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle Delhi’s pollution crisis. The decision will influence the continuation of restrictions aimed at addressing hazardous air quality.

The city’s air quality has improved since Diwali, though several air monitoring stations still report AQI levels between 200 and 300, with some areas remaining in the "very poor" category. Delhi-NCR continues to be under Stage 4 pollution curbs, which include a ban on truck entry, except for those carrying essential goods or using cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also restricted unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Construction work on public projects has been halted.

According to the CPCB, Sunday’s 24-hour average AQI was 318, making it the second-best reading this month, following November 2, when it stood at 316. The improvement has been linked to stronger winds and clearer skies, supported by a slight rise in temperature.

In another sign of pollution, toxic foam was observed floating on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, indicating high levels of water pollution, as reported by news agency ANI. The weather forecast for the day predicts a cold day in the city, with temperatures ranging between a low of 12°C and a high of 28°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).