NEW DELHI: Dense fog in Delhi led to significant train delays on Tuesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a ‘yellow’ alert for the National Capital Region (NCR).
The alert, valid from Monday to Wednesday, warns of dense to very dense fog conditions in isolated areas, with temperatures expected to hover between 6 and 7 degrees Celsius.
This foggy spell follows a cool and cloudy day on Monday, where the city recorded a minimum temperature of 9°C, slightly above the seasonal average.
CAQM lifts GRAP-III curbs
The air quality in Delhi has seen an improvement following recent rainfall, which resulted in a significant reduction in pollution levels. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping from 357 to 271, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after only three days.
The rain, brought by a Western Disturbance (WD) between January 11-12, has provided some relief, though the air quality still remains in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI between 201 and 300.
Stage-II and Stage-I Restrictions in Delhi Remain in Effect Amid AQI Concerns
Although Delhi’s air quality has improved, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to keep Stage-II and Stage-I restrictions in place to prevent further deterioration.
These restrictions include limits on high-emission vehicles and construction activities at non-compliant sites. With another Western Disturbance forecasted around January 14-15, the CAQM urges residents to stay vigilant and adhere to air quality guidelines to mitigate health risks.
(With agency inputs)