Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index stands at 224 as per 4 pm AQI bulletin

New Delhi [India], October 13 (ANI): Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 224 on Sunday as per the 4 PM AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP took stock of the current air quality scenario as well as the forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM

The Sub-Committee noted that owing to episodic events, a rise has been witnessed in the AQI of Delhi since last night till about noon today. However, the pollutant concentrations and thereby the AQI are now exhibiting a declining trend, with AQI improving to 222 at 5 PM, and it is further expected to improve with time. The forecasts from IMD/ IITM also indicate the overall AQI of Delhi moving back to the ‘Moderate’ category.

After comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality scenario and related aspects, it was decided by the Sub-Committee unanimously to closely watch the situation for a day or more, before invoking Stage I of GRAP.

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging him to conduct an ‘urgent’ meeting to discuss the use of artificial rain during peak pollution periods in the national capital city.

As Diwali is approaching, Rai emphasised that the quality of air is likely to turn hazardous in Delhi at the beginning of November and according to him, there is “already” a delay of approximately one month in the efforts for cloud seeding in Delhi.

Rai, in the letter dated October 10, conveyed that the use of artificial rains can serve as an emergency measure to curb the excess pollution in the city, as per the exploration of the Delhi government. He said that various institutions, including IIT Kanpur, prepared a presentation in this regard, which has already been sent to the Union Environment Ministry.

Highlighting the need to implement cloud seeding, Rai said that prior clearances from various agencies of the Government of India is a “prerequisite.”

Notably, the Delhi government kicked off their anti-dust campaign on October 7.