Delhi records 8.6 degrees as minimum temp, air quality 'very poor'

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) – The national capital of India experienced a chilly Sunday morning with a minimum temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius, two notches below the seasonal average, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD further predicted that the maximum temperature for the day is likely to reach around 27 degrees with a partly cloudy sky expected.

However, the residents of the city also faced the issue of deteriorating air quality as several AQI stations across Delhi recorded ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ air quality on Sunday. In the Anand Vihar area, PM 10 levels were found to be in the ‘severe’ category at 500, PM 2.5 reached 420, NO2 stood at 285, and CO at 150, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) categories range from ‘good’ to ‘severe’, with the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (T3) recording ‘poor’ levels for PM 2.5 at 238 and ‘moderate’ levels for PM 10 at 190. Dwarka Sector 8 saw PM 2.5 levels at 341 and PM 10 at 438.

This decline in air quality has raised concerns among the residents and authorities as they grapple with the issue of pollution in the city, impacting the health and well-being of the citizens. With the ongoing challenges of both weather and air quality, it becomes crucial for the authorities to take necessary measures to address these issues and protect the environment and public health.

The combination of low temperatures and poor air quality has become a common occurrence in Delhi during the winter months, prompting experts and officials to consider long-term solutions to improve the overall environmental conditions and ensure the well-being of the people.

As Delhi continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, it becomes imperative for all stakeholders to work together towards finding sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of weather and air quality on the lives of the city’s residents. This includes implementing measures to reduce pollution and improve air quality, ultimately creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.