Delhi air quality improves to very poor after 8 days, overall AQI at 379

After enduring eight consecutive days of severe air pollution, Delhi residents woke up to a slightly better air quality on Thursday morning. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 379 at 7 am, placing it in the “very poor” category. However, the AQI at several air monitoring stations across the national capital was still above 400, falling under the “severe category.” According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur recorded the highest reading at 437, followed by Bawana at 419, Ashok Vihar and Mundka at 416.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s temperature would range from a minimum of 11 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
A thick layer of smog continued to blanket the national capital, smudging the silhouettes and hampering the visibility today.
Visibility at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport dropped, leading to flight disruptions. According to Flightradar, 97 flights have been delayed and 3 cancelled till now.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management has revised the Graded Response Action Plan, requiring schools in Delhi and nearby NCR districts to shut down during Stages 3 and 4 of the plan.
On Wednesday, the Delhi government announced that 50 per cent of its employees will work from home as the national capital reeled under the “severe” air pollution.
Taking to X, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home.”
Apart from Delhi, Jaipur and Chandigarh rank among the most polluted cities in India today. Delhi recorded the highest air pollution levels, while Jaipur and Chandigarh followed with Air Quality Index readings of 235 and 233, respectively, both classified as “poor.” Aizawl and Guwahati had the lowest pollution levels, with AQI readings of 32 and 42 at 7 am.