New Delhi, Dec 24 (UNI) Air quality in the national capital showed marginal improvement on Wednesday but continued to remain in the “very poor” category, as dense to moderate fog gripped several parts of the city and sharply reduced visibility during the early morning hours.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained alarmingly high across key locations in Delhi. The ITO area recorded an AQI of 374, while India Gate registered 354, both categorised as “very poor,” even as Republic Day parade rehearsals continued amid the hazardous conditions.
Sarai Kale Khan reported an AQI of 360, Ghazipur NH-24 stood at 368, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport also recorded an AQI of 368, indicating widespread pollution across the capital.
In view of the deteriorating air quality, the Centre invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi, triggering the strictest pollution control measures.
Wind speeds of around 15 kmph over the past 24 hours have resulted in a minor improvement in AQI levels. Despite this, pollution concentrations remained well above safe limits, keeping Delhi under persistent air quality stress, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD issued a district-level nowcast warning at 3:17 am IST on December 24, cautioning residents about dense fog conditions across large parts of the capital. Dense fog was reported as very likely over New Delhi, North, North-West, South-West, and West Delhi, while moderate fog was expected over the remaining districts.
Visibility dropped significantly at Palam Airport overnight, recording at around 400 metres at 2:00 am IST, and further deteriorated to nearly 100 metres by 2:30 am IST.
Conditions improved slightly by morning, with visibility increasing to about 250 metres at 6:30 am IST, though meteorological officials warned that visibility could deteriorate further.
A follow-up nowcast issued at 5:30 am IST indicated moderate fog over most parts of Delhi, advising commuters to remain cautious during morning travel.
The weather office also warned of possible disruptions to air, rail, and road traffic due to reduced visibility, along with slower commute times. Health concerns were flagged for vulnerable groups, particularly people suffering from asthma and bronchitis.
Delhi air quality marginally improves but stays “very poor” amid dense fog
