Delhi's air quality remains "very poor", despite slight improvement

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' range on Saturday morning, with several areas recording hazardous pollution levels according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The CPCB data showed an AQI of 388 in Anand Vihar and 386 in Ashok Vihar at 6 am. Though still considered 'very poor', this represented a slight improvement from the previous day when both areas hit 'severe' AQI readings over 400. Other locations like Lodhi Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium also fell in the 'very poor' bracket.

#WATCH | The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the 'Very Poor' category in Delhi as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

(Visuals shot at 6.30 am) pic.twitter.com/CimH4ugD3D

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2023

Deadly Delhi air leads to breathing problems

Residents complained of facing breathing difficulties and health issues as a result of the sustained exposure to the heavily polluted air. "I came here with my daughter for a segway. The fun would have doubled if the pollution was less. We are having breathing issues due to pollution. Children are coughing,” said Rahul Sachdeva, visiting the capital city with his daughter.

#WATCH | Delhi: A local, Rahul Sachdeva says, "I came here with my daughter for segway. The fun would have doubled if the pollution was less. We are having breathing issues due to pollution. Children are coughing..." https://t.co/f1cvJ9YXRN pic.twitter.com/qZRDKFOIfh

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2023

GRAP restrictions lifted

The city's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced this week that the GRAP-3 restrictions have been lifted, but authorities are still striving to implement GRAP-1 and 2 guidelines to curb emissions. The AQI scale classifies 'good' air quality from 0-100, 'moderate' 100-200, 'poor' 200-300, 'very poor' 300-400 and 'severe' above 400.

With air pollution remaining a pressing public health crisis in the capital, the environmental action plans seek to mitigate the human and economic toll through tightened emissions norms, construction bans and other emergency measures.

(With ANI inputs)