Delhi's air quality improves significantly, GRAP Stage 1 lifted
What's the story
Delhi has reached a remarkable mark in air quality: it recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85. That's the lowest AQI for the January to mid-March period in three years.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) confirmed it was the first day of 2025 with a 'satisfactory' AQI.
CAQM also said this is Delhi's first 'Satisfactory' AQI in March since 2020.
Pollution levels
Central Pollution Control Board's AQI classification
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes air quality according to AQI levels. An AQI of 0-50 is 'good,' and an index of 51-100 is 'satisfactory.'
According to the CPCB, Anand Vihar's air quality monitor recorded an AQI of 80 on Saturday evening, while Alipur recorded a "Good" level of air quality at 48 AQI.
Policy update
GRAP Stage 1 restrictions lifted due to improved air quality
Considering the improved air quality, CAQM has revoked restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP).
The panel said Delhi's AQI has improved significantly due to favorable winds, light rain/drizzling, and better meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR.
The IMD/IITM forecast also predicts AQI will mostly stay in the 'Satisfactory to Moderate' category in the next few days.
Weather update
IMD forecasts weather conditions for Delhi
Delhi would see a minimum temperature of 19°C and a maximum of 33°C on Saturday along with thunderstorms and rain, forecasted the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
On Sunday, the weather department has predicted a generally cloudy sky with light rain. It said the minimum temperature is likely to be around 17°C, while the maximum would settle around 32°C.