The air quality in the national capital reached ‘very poor’ category registering an air quality index (AQI) of 340 on Saturday morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) India. There has been a slight improvement as compared to the ‘severe’ category AQI of 405 recorded on Friday evening due to favourable weather conditions that marked the 12th day this month that Delhiites had to endure severe or near-severe air quality levels.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday lifted the anti-pollution curbs under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and adjoining areas after the air quality improved from severe to very poor’ category.
The commission withdrew the restrictions after reviewing that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital. The slight improvement in the air quality index provided a respite to the residents, who still grappled with a thick, hazardous haze enveloping the city.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed on Friday that several states with deteriorating air quality had not fully complied with its earlier directive for immediate remedial action. The tribunal had previously issued notices to the chief secretaries of multiple states, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan.