Delhi-NCR's air quality remains in 'severe' category despite rain
What's the story
In a much-needed respite for Delhiites from the toxic air quality, the city and the National Capital Region (NCR) received light rain on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the overall air quality in Delhi remained in the "severe" category on Friday morning.
Delhi recorded 5.8mm of rainfall till 8:30am.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The air pollution level peaks in Delhi every year between November 1 and November 15 when farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab increase stubble burning.
Over the past weeks, the national capital and its nearby areas have continuously reported "severe" air quality.
Rain can help disperse and clear away contaminants in the air, such as gases and aerosols, thereby improving air quality.
Details
Several parts of Delhi report improved AQI
After the light rain, the air quality index (AQI) of Indira Gandhi International Airport stood at 391 (very poor) and Lodhi Road stood at 398 (very poor) on Friday.
However, the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data showed areas like Punjab Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Noida, and Faridabad's AQI remained in the "severe" category despite the downpour.
Twitter Post
Visuals of rainy Friday morning in Delhi
#WATCH | Delhi witnesses sudden change in weather, receives light rain
— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2023
(Visuals from Kartavya Path) pic.twitter.com/YeGPH70uAD
What Next?
Delhi-NCR to receive more rain on Friday
The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) pedicted light-intensity intermittent rain over and adjoining regions of Delhi-NCR, Rewari, Sohana, Daurala, Hastinapur, Meerut, Amroha, Kithor, and Modinagar on Friday morning.
It also predicted light showers during the same period in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, like Pilakhua, Hapur, Gulaoti, Siyana, Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Khurja, Pahasu, Debai, Nandgaon, and Barsana.
Twitter Post
Check out RWFC's post here
Meerut, Modinagar, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Pilakhua, Hapur, Gulaoti, Siyana, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Anupshahar, Bahajoi, Pahasu, Debai, Narora, Gabhana, Atrauli, Aligarh, Nandgaon (U.P.) Deeg (Rajasthan) during next 2 hours. pic.twitter.com/VKJmp9aNq8
— RWFC New Delhi (@RWFC_ND) November 10, 2023
Know more
Know about Delhi government's 'artificial rain' plan to combat pollution
The rain comes as the Arvind Kejriwal administration plans to use "artificial rain" on November 20-21 to combat the ongoing pollution crisis in the capital.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Education Minister Atishi Marlena on Tuesday held talks with a team from IIT Kanpur, who suggested that a spell of artificial rain might help improve the city's deteriorating AIQ.
More details
Delhi banned entry of app-based cabs registered in other states
On Wednesday, the Delhi government decided to ban app-based taxis registered in other states from entering the capital.
As per the government, only cabs with Delhi registration numbers can function within the city.
The development came after the Supreme Court (SC) stated that too many taxis registered in other states were on Delhi roads transporting only one passenger.