Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘moderate’ category for the third consecutive day on Friday, marking a temporary respite for the city’s residents. The AQI stood at 197, slightly higher than Thursday’s 165. Despite this marginal deterioration, the figures are a significant improvement from the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories experienced in recent weeks, thanks to favourable meteorological conditions.
Sustained strong winds earlier in the week, clocking speeds of 12–20 kmph, had effectively dispersed pollutants. Coupled with abundant sunshine, the improvement prompted the Supreme Court to allow the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to downgrade emergency measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Stage II. However, wind speeds dropped below 12 kmph on Friday, leading to forecasts of ‘poor’ AQI levels until Monday, with possible dips into the ‘very poor’ category thereafter, according to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
A fresh western disturbance is anticipated to bring light rain or drizzle on Sunday, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, expected to impact the Western Himalayan region and northwest India from December 8, could further disperse pollutants. However, moderate fog predicted on Monday and Tuesday is likely to reduce visibility and trap particulate matter, contributing to a potential decline in air quality. The temperatures are also expected to dip, with a minimum of 6°C forecast by December 10.
Sustainability experts emphasise that weather-driven improvements in air quality are temporary. Long-term solutions lie in adopting cleaner energy, reducing vehicular emissions, and enhancing green cover across urban landscapes. Delhi’s fluctuating AQI underscores the pressing need for sustained civic and governmental action to mitigate the city’s chronic air pollution challenges.
