Indian national capital, Delhi saw cleanest air in years on Saturday (March 15), with the city recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85, the lowest in three years for the January to mid-March period.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) confirmed that this was the first time in 2025 that Delhi had recorded a "satisfactory" AQI. In a post on X, the commission stated, "Delhi has witnessed a &lsquo;Satisfactory&rsquo; AQI in March, for the first time in five years since 2020."
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<h2>AQI levels and weather conditions</h2>
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels are classified as follows:
0-50: Good
51-100: Satisfactory
101-200: Moderate
201-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-500: Severe
As of 7 PM on Saturday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 80, while Alipur had the lowest AQI in the city at 48, which falls under the Good category.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted a minimum temperature of 19&deg;C and a maximum of 33&deg;C for Saturday, along with thunderstorms and rain. For Sunday, March 16, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with light rain, while temperatures are likely to range between 17&deg;C and 32&deg;C.
<h2>GRAP Stage-1 restrictions revoked</h2>
With air quality showing significant improvement, CAQM lifted the restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP).
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In an official statement, the commission said, "AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement due to favourable winds, light rain/drizzling, and improved meteorological conditions prevailing in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 85 for March 15, 2025 (in the 'Satisfactory' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the 'Satisfactory to Moderate' category in coming days."
The CAQM has urged all agencies to maintain these improved air quality levels and prevent a decline into the Poor category.
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(With inputs from agencies)

India News: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) confirmed that this was the first time in 2025 that Delhi had recorded a "satisfactory" AQI.

Indian national capital, Delhi saw cleanest air in years on Saturday (March 15), with the city recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85, the lowest in three years for the January to mid-March period. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) confirmed that this was the first time in 2025 that Delhi had recorded a "satisfactory" AQI. In a post on X, the commission stated, "Delhi has witnessed a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI in March, for the first time in five years since 2020." Also read: Delhi sees sharp rise in flu cases with Covid-like symptoms; experts reveal what's happening AQI levels and weather conditions According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels are classified as follows: 0-50: Good 51-100: Satisfactory 101-200: Moderate 201-300: Poor 301-400: Very Poor 401-500: Severe As of 7 PM on Saturday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 80, while Alipur had the lowest AQI in the city at 48, which falls under the Good category. Also read: Indian student Ranjani Srinivasan self-deports after Trump admin revokes visa for allegedly 'supporting' Hamas The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted a minimum temperature of 19°C and a maximum of 33°C for Saturday, along with thunderstorms and rain. For Sunday, March 16, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with light rain, while temperatures are likely to range between 17°C and 32°C. GRAP Stage-1 restrictions revoked With air quality showing significant improvement, CAQM lifted the restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). Also read: PM Modi in Mauritius: A special relationship blooms In an official statement, the commission said, "AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement due to favourable winds, light rain/drizzling, and improved meteorological conditions prevailing in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 85 for March 15, 2025 (in the 'Satisfactory' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the 'Satisfactory to Moderate' category in coming days." The CAQM has urged all agencies to maintain these improved air quality levels and prevent a decline into the Poor category. Also read: 'First Indian to receive honour': PM Modi to be conferred with Mauritius' highest honour (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi breathes cleanest air in 3 years; AQI at ‘satisfactory’ level for first time in 2025

Air quality in the Indian capital New Delhi has once again deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 401 by 6:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Nov 22).

Air quality in the Indian capital New Delhi has once again deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 401 by 6:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Nov 22). Out of the 39 monitoring stations across the city, 19 reported AQI levels in the "severe" range. After nearly a week of severe and "severe-plus" air pollution, there was a brief improvement on Friday morning when the AQI dropped to 371, categorised as 'very poor.' However, this respite was short-lived as by evening, the pollution levels deteriorated again, with the AQI crossing 400. For context, the AQI categories are defined as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 is "satisfactory," 101-200 is "moderate," 201-300 is "poor," 301-400 is "very poor," and 401-500 is "severe." Supreme Court raps Delhi govt over lapses in enforcement of GRAP-4 The Supreme Court addressed the pollution crisis on Friday and announced that it would decide on November 25 whether the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 restrictions in Delhi should be eased. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of GRAP-4 measures, particularly regarding the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. The apex court also criticised the lack of checks at entry points to the city. It ordered the Delhi Police to set up check posts at all 113 entry points into the city to enforce the restrictions effectively. Also read: ‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US role "Out of 113, almost 100 entry points are unmanned in the sense that there is nobody to check the entry of trucks... We direct the Delhi government and Delhi Police to ensure that check posts are immediately set up at all 113 entry points," the court observed. The GRAP-IV guidelines prohibit the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles into Delhi. This measure was implemented as air pollution reached the "severe plus" category earlier in the week. It added, "As far as stopping entry of trucks and entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi is concerned, we are not satisfied. The (Delhi) government has not stated clearly as to at how many entry points, there are teams present to prevent the entry of vehicles." It also said that personnel manning these points must be well-informed about the orders given by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government. "Personnel who monitor these points should be clearly told what the accepted items are mentioned in the order issued by the government of Delhi. Trucks and other vehicles covered by clause 1 and 2 carrying only items in clause 3 should be allowed entry. There is failure on the part of the Delhi government and police to implement clauses," the court added. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi AQI rises to 'severe' again after brief respite; SC raps AAP govt over 'failure' to enforce GRAP 4

Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government&nbsp;employees would work from home.&nbsp;

The announcement came as Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) continued to be in the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). Wednesday was the third consecutive day when the AQI of Delhi-NCR stood in the “severe” zone.&nbsp;

While Delhi's average AQI stood at 423 at 7:00 a.m., Mundka was the most polluted area in the city (464), followed by Wazirpur and Alipur (462). The visibility at IGI Airport was 800 metres at7:00 a.m.

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“To reduce pollution, the Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home. For its implementation, a meeting will be held with the officials at 1 pm today in the Secretariat,” Rai tweeted in Hindi.

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Earlier, the Delhi government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD.&nbsp;

The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while those of Delhi government offices were 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The air quality in Delhi-NCR remains at "alarmingly high" levels, prompting concerns about health and safety.

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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), smog or shallow fog conditions would prevail throughout Wednesday.

On Tuesday (Nov 19), Delhi logged a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 460 at 4:00 pm, lower than the record 494 clocked on Monday, but still in the “severe-plus” classification.&nbsp;

Here are the AQI levels recorded in key locations:

Alipur: 490

Anand Lok: 504

Anand Parbat: 376

Anand Vihar: 591

Ashok Vihar Phase 1: 522

Ashok Vihar Phase 2: 527

Ashok Vihar Phases 3 and 4: 634

Delhi Cantt: 258

Dwarka Sector 11: 521

Dwarka Sector 23: 390

Greater Kailash II: 256

GTB Nagar: 617

An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe” and 451 and 500 as “severe-plus”. The scale is capped at 500.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks on Tuesday night to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except those involved in essential services.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government employees would work from home.

Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government employees would work from home. The announcement came as Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) continued to be in the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). Wednesday was the third consecutive day when the AQI of Delhi-NCR stood in the “severe” zone. While Delhi's average AQI stood at 423 at 7:00 a.m., Mundka was the most polluted area in the city (464), followed by Wazirpur and Alipur (462). The visibility at IGI Airport was 800 metres at7:00 a.m. Also Read | Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years “To reduce pollution, the Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home. For its implementation, a meeting will be held with the officials at 1 pm today in the Secretariat,” Rai tweeted in Hindi. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai tweets, "To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% employees will work from home..." pic.twitter.com/C7lJT27H4e — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024 × Earlier, the Delhi government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD. The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while those of Delhi government offices were 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The air quality in Delhi-NCR remains at "alarmingly high" levels, prompting concerns about health and safety. Also Read | Delhi air pollution: AAP govt accuses centre of ignoring requests for artificial rain, asks PM to intervene According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), smog or shallow fog conditions would prevail throughout Wednesday. On Tuesday (Nov 19), Delhi logged a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 460 at 4:00 pm, lower than the record 494 clocked on Monday, but still in the “severe-plus” classification. Here are the AQI levels recorded in key locations: Alipur: 490 Anand Lok: 504 Anand Parbat: 376 Anand Vihar: 591 Ashok Vihar Phase 1: 522 Ashok Vihar Phase 2: 527 Ashok Vihar Phases 3 and 4: 634 Delhi Cantt: 258 Dwarka Sector 11: 521 Dwarka Sector 23: 390 Greater Kailash II: 256 GTB Nagar: 617 An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe” and 451 and 500 as “severe-plus”. The scale is capped at 500. In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks on Tuesday night to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except those involved in essential services. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Air Pollution: 50% government employees switch to work from home as AQI hits 526

Delhi woke up to the worst air quality of the season so far, with AQI reported at 600 and above in as many areas as Anand Vihar, according to the Aqicn website data. The overall air quality in the national capital stood at 317 on Monday (Nov 4), as of 8:00 am.

The pollution level, which is measured in PM 2.5 concentration, is currently 59 times higher in the capital city than the WHO-prescribed danger limit, as per the IQair data.

An AQI, which is a report of the quality of air in a region, is considered ‘poor’ between 200 and 300, ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400, severe at 401 and 450, and above 450 is “severe-plus,” which can cause damaging health concerns to residents.

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Prolonged exposure to high pollution concentrations can lead to several health concerns, including some chronic illnesses in the lungs and brain.&nbsp;

Here's a list of AQI levels in various Delhi areas on Monday as of 8:00 am:

Anand Vihar - 627 (hazardous)

Alipur - 388 (hazardous)

Punjabi Bagh - 319 (hazardous)

Narela - 372 (hazardous)

RK Puram - 268 (very poor)

Bawana - 368 (hazardous)

ITI Shahdra - 408 (hazardous)

After Diwali, On Friday (Nov 1), Delhi’s AQI was recorded worst globally at 359, followed by Lahore in Pakistan (AQI 217), Beijing in China (AQI 182) and Dhaka in Bangladesh (AQI 174).&nbsp;

To tackle the deteriorating situation in the capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the Atishi government has deployed around 200 mobile anti-smog guns to combat dust pollution.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Gopal Rai said that the Delhi government is continuously working on the ground to combat the rising pollution levels.

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The 200 anti-smog guns, deployed across the national capital, operate in three shifts of eight hours each, spraying water in every assembly constituency to help control dust levels.

"Whether it is dust pollution, vehicle pollution or biomass burning, our teams are continuously working on targeting these three on the ground," Rai said further.

However, stubble burning only accounted for 15 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Saturday (Nov 2), which is a substantial drop from Friday’s figure of over 35 per cent. This reduction indicates that other factors are significantly influencing Delhi's air quality.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi woke up to the worst air quality of the season so far, with AQI reported at 600 and above in as many areas as Anand Vihar, according to the Aqicn website data.

Delhi woke up to the worst air quality of the season so far, with AQI reported at 600 and above in as many areas as Anand Vihar, according to the Aqicn website data. The overall air quality in the national capital stood at 317 on Monday (Nov 4), as of 8:00 am. The pollution level, which is measured in PM 2.5 concentration, is currently 59 times higher in the capital city than the WHO-prescribed danger limit, as per the IQair data. An AQI, which is a report of the quality of air in a region, is considered ‘poor’ between 200 and 300, ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400, severe at 401 and 450, and above 450 is “severe-plus,” which can cause damaging health concerns to residents. Also Read | J&K L-G Manoj Sinha calls for strong action against terrorists after grenade blast in Srinagar Prolonged exposure to high pollution concentrations can lead to several health concerns, including some chronic illnesses in the lungs and brain. Here's a list of AQI levels in various Delhi areas on Monday as of 8:00 am: Anand Vihar - 627 (hazardous) Alipur - 388 (hazardous) Punjabi Bagh - 319 (hazardous) Narela - 372 (hazardous) RK Puram - 268 (very poor) Bawana - 368 (hazardous) ITI Shahdra - 408 (hazardous) After Diwali, On Friday (Nov 1), Delhi’s AQI was recorded worst globally at 359, followed by Lahore in Pakistan (AQI 217), Beijing in China (AQI 182) and Dhaka in Bangladesh (AQI 174). To tackle the deteriorating situation in the capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the Atishi government has deployed around 200 mobile anti-smog guns to combat dust pollution. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Gopal Rai said that the Delhi government is continuously working on the ground to combat the rising pollution levels. Also Read | Delhi's Yamuna gets covered by toxic foam, raises concerns ahead of Chhath Puja The 200 anti-smog guns, deployed across the national capital, operate in three shifts of eight hours each, spraying water in every assembly constituency to help control dust levels. "Whether it is dust pollution, vehicle pollution or biomass burning, our teams are continuously working on targeting these three on the ground," Rai said further. However, stubble burning only accounted for 15 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Saturday (Nov 2), which is a substantial drop from Friday’s figure of over 35 per cent. This reduction indicates that other factors are significantly influencing Delhi's air quality. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi air at season's worst as AQI drops to 'severe' post-Diwali

Pollution levels in Delhi spiked on Wednesday (October 30), a day before Diwali, bringing air quality back into the “very poor” category, raising concerns of worsening pollution during the festival when firecrackers are burst across Delhi-NCR.

Pollution levels in Delhi spiked on Wednesday (October 30), a day before Diwali, bringing air quality back into the “very poor” category, raising concerns of worsening pollution during the festival when firecrackers are burst across Delhi-NCR. How did the AQI change in the lead-up to Diwali? According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s AQI rose to 307 by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, up from 268 (poor) at the same time the previous day. By 11:00 PM, it had further deteriorated to 317. Every Diwali, the Capital is filled with the sound of firecrackers, despite strict restrictions on their production, sale, and use. Enforcement measures appear largely ineffective. Firecracker emit harmful chemicals, such as barium, sulphur, and lead, combined with already high pollution levels and smoke from crop stubble burning. Are firecracker bans being followed? Signs of the firecracker ban being ignored emerged as early as Wednesday evening, as explosions were heard around the city, lighting up the sky in defiance of the regulations. Also read: Ayodhya's record-breaking Diwali: City lit up with 2.5mn diyas, drone shows So far this winter, Delhi’s AQI has yet to reach the “severe” level. The highest reading, 364, was recorded on October 23. What are AQI levels and how is air quality classified? The CPCB categorises AQI levels from 0-50 as “good,” 51-100 as “satisfactory,” 101-200 as “moderate,” 201-300 as “poor,” 301-400 as “very poor,” and above 400 as “severe.” What does the forecast say for post-Diwali air quality? The Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi forecast on Wednesday that air quality would likely remain in the “very poor” category from October 31 to November 2, with the potential for reaching “severe” if firecracker and stubble burning emissions increase on October 31 and November 1. Have previous firecracker bans reduced post-Diwali pollution? In recent years, attempts to restrict firecracker use, including an outright ban since 2020, have been largely ineffective, often leading to a sharp increase in AQI post-Diwali. For seven of the last eight years, air quality worsened significantly the day after the festival. Last Diwali, on November 11, Delhi’s AQI was 220 (poor) a day before, improving slightly to 218 on Diwali itself, before surging by 140 points to 358 (very poor) the next day due to firecracker activity in the evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi’s air quality plunges to ‘very poor’ ahead of Diwali: Will firecrackers push it to ‘severe’ despite ban?

Poor air quality continues to engulf the Indian capital Delhi and its nearby regions, with Air Quality Index (AQI) showing no signs of improvement. On Monday, the AQI stood above the 400 mark in the ‘critical’ category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Monday (Nov 6) is the fourth consecutive day when pollution levels in the capital city remained at an all-time high. The AQI in Delhi’s Anand Vihar touched a shocking 999 on Nov 2, with a toxic and poisonous haze engulfing the entire area throughout the day.

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As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall AQI of the city was recorded at 471 (severe) at 7:00 am IST- a rise from 415, which was recorded at 4:00 pm IST on Saturday. It is expected to continue till Nov 7.&nbsp;

<h2>High-level meeting underway with Delhi CM</h2>

In the wake of skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the capital, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a high-level meeting in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6) to assess the situation. The meeting&nbsp;started at 12:00 noon IST.

The meeting was attended by Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai and all officials of concerned departments.&nbsp;

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As per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), if the AQI of the city crosses 450-mark, authorities will invoke GRAP- stage 4 category measures.&nbsp;

<h2>Restrictions under the GRAP-IV stage</h2>

The measures under Stage 4 include a complete ban on entry of trucks into Delhi, and stopping construction activities in Delhi, including linear projects like highways and roads. A ban will also be imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel medium good vehicles and heavy goods vehicles and a ban on light commercial vehicles outside Delhi (unless essential).

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It also gives states and the centre discretion on whether they need to allow employees to work from home, ban physical classes for higher grades and even if they wish to implement the odd-even scheme.

<h2>Stubble burning continues to affect Delhi's air</h2>

The rampant stubble burning in northern India continues to impact Delhi’s air quality. Punjab alone recorded over 1,000 fires for a fourth consecutive day. Though showing a declining trend, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) data showed Punjab recorded 1,360 farm fires on Saturday.

Delhi’s wind direction is also playing a role to make the situation worse.

As per IMD, Delhi’s air is northwesterly, which is likely to help stubble intrusion into the capital.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Poor air quality continues to engulf the Indian capital Delhi and its nearby regions, with Air Quality Index (AQI) showing no signs of improvement. On Monday, the AQI stood above the 400 mark in the ‘critical’ category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Poor air quality continues to engulf the Indian capital Delhi and its nearby regions, with Air Quality Index (AQI) showing no signs of improvement. On Monday, the AQI stood above the 400 mark in the ‘critical’ category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). Monday (Nov 6) is the fourth consecutive day when pollution levels in the capital city remained at an all-time high. The AQI in Delhi’s Anand Vihar touched a shocking 999 on Nov 2, with a toxic and poisonous haze engulfing the entire area throughout the day. Also Read | India offers seven helicopters to enhance Philippines coast guard's rescue and humanitarian capabilities As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall AQI of the city was recorded at 471 (severe) at 7:00 am IST- a rise from 415, which was recorded at 4:00 pm IST on Saturday. It is expected to continue till Nov 7. High-level meeting underway with Delhi CM In the wake of skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the capital, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a high-level meeting in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6) to assess the situation. The meeting started at 12:00 noon IST. The meeting was attended by Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai and all officials of concerned departments. #WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal chairs the high-level meeting on pollution in the Delhi Secretariat. Ministers Gopal Rai, Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj and officers from the concerned departments also present in the meeting. https://t.co/l4yRqVGGZR pic.twitter.com/miTmxEr6oq — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023 × As per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), if the AQI of the city crosses 450-mark, authorities will invoke GRAP- stage 4 category measures. Restrictions under the GRAP-IV stage The measures under Stage 4 include a complete ban on entry of trucks into Delhi, and stopping construction activities in Delhi, including linear projects like highways and roads. A ban will also be imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel medium good vehicles and heavy goods vehicles and a ban on light commercial vehicles outside Delhi (unless essential). Also Read | Online school, restrictions on vehicles: Indian govt implements curbs in light of stifling Delhi smog It also gives states and the centre discretion on whether they need to allow employees to work from home, ban physical classes for higher grades and even if they wish to implement the odd-even scheme. Stubble burning continues to affect Delhi's air The rampant stubble burning in northern India continues to impact Delhi’s air quality. Punjab alone recorded over 1,000 fires for a fourth consecutive day. Though showing a declining trend, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) data showed Punjab recorded 1,360 farm fires on Saturday. Delhi’s wind direction is also playing a role to make the situation worse. As per IMD, Delhi’s air is northwesterly, which is likely to help stubble intrusion into the capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's air 'critical', with many NCR areas recording AQI at 999, CM holds high-level meeting

Delhi AQI: The overall air quality in the Indian national capital New Delhi is likely to improve to the "moderate" category as weather agencies have predicted light rain showers at some places.&nbsp;

The city's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 233 on Sunday, slightly better than the previous day. The capital's air quality has been poor for the past four days. This season's worst air quality so far was recorded on Saturday (Oct 14) with the average AQI recorded at 257.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department officials said that air quality on Sunday improved because of the direction of wind that had changed from northwesterly to easterly, which also brought in some moisture and led to trace rainfall in a few parts of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjp-mp-claims-mahua-moitra-took-bribes-to-ask-questions-in-parliament-tmc-leader-welcomes-probe-647284">Also read |&nbsp;India: BJP MP claims Mahua Moitra took bribes to ask questions in Parliament; TMC leader welcomes probe</a>

"On Monday and Tuesday too we can expect light rain and easterly winds. The air quality is expected to be in the moderate range," said an IMD official.

However, places such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded 'poor' air quality of 262 at 10 am on Monday (Oct 16), while ITO station recorded moderate air quality with an AQI of 142,&nbsp;Noida stood at 204 and the Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded an AQI of 190

The CPCB categorises&nbsp;an AQI between 0-50 as "good," between&nbsp;51 and 100 as "satisfactory", between 101 and 200 as "moderate", between 201 and 300 as "poor", between 301 and 400 as "very poor", and over 400 as "severe."

CM Kejriwal's winter plan

Earlier, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai told ANI that the government is working towards improving the quality levels in Delhi. He said that officials are working as per the "winter action plan" announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last month amid rising concerns over increasing air pollution.&nbsp;

He said, "CM Arvind Kejriwal announced his 15-point winter action plan on seeing the report of rising pollution every winter. Delhi government is working based on that plan. For the hot spots, 13 special teams have been formed. These teams are focusing on the action plan made for the hot spots. As far as stubble burning is concerned, bio decomposers are being used to decompose the stubble."

Chief Minister Kejriwal added&nbsp;that&nbsp;heavy fines will be imposed on those responsible for dust pollution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-cm-arvind-kejriwal-drafts-15-point-winter-action-plan-640933">Also read |&nbsp;Delhi air pollution: CM Arvind Kejriwal drafts 15-point winter action plan</a>

According to IMD, Delhi on Sunday recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius, a degree above the normal. In comparison, the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.&nbsp;

The maximum temperature on Monday and Tuesday is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Delhi AQI: The overall air quality in the Indian national capital New Delhi is likely to improve to the "moderate" category as weather agencies have predicted light rain showers at some places.

Delhi AQI: The overall air quality in the Indian national capital New Delhi is likely to improve to the "moderate" category as weather agencies have predicted light rain showers at some places. The city's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 233 on Sunday, slightly better than the previous day. The capital's air quality has been poor for the past four days. This season's worst air quality so far was recorded on Saturday (Oct 14) with the average AQI recorded at 257. The India Meteorological Department officials said that air quality on Sunday improved because of the direction of wind that had changed from northwesterly to easterly, which also brought in some moisture and led to trace rainfall in a few parts of the country. Also read | India: BJP MP claims Mahua Moitra took bribes to ask questions in Parliament; TMC leader welcomes probe "On Monday and Tuesday too we can expect light rain and easterly winds. The air quality is expected to be in the moderate range," said an IMD official. However, places such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded 'poor' air quality of 262 at 10 am on Monday (Oct 16), while ITO station recorded moderate air quality with an AQI of 142, Noida stood at 204 and the Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded an AQI of 190 The CPCB categorises an AQI between 0-50 as "good," between 51 and 100 as "satisfactory", between 101 and 200 as "moderate", between 201 and 300 as "poor", between 301 and 400 as "very poor", and over 400 as "severe." CM Kejriwal's winter plan Earlier, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai told ANI that the government is working towards improving the quality levels in Delhi. He said that officials are working as per the "winter action plan" announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last month amid rising concerns over increasing air pollution. He said, "CM Arvind Kejriwal announced his 15-point winter action plan on seeing the report of rising pollution every winter. Delhi government is working based on that plan. For the hot spots, 13 special teams have been formed. These teams are focusing on the action plan made for the hot spots. As far as stubble burning is concerned, bio decomposers are being used to decompose the stubble." Chief Minister Kejriwal added that heavy fines will be imposed on those responsible for dust pollution. Also read | Delhi air pollution: CM Arvind Kejriwal drafts 15-point winter action plan According to IMD, Delhi on Sunday recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius, a degree above the normal. In comparison, the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The maximum temperature on Monday and Tuesday is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India weather update: Light rain predicted in Delhi; air quality may improve to ‘moderate’, says IMD

It's that time of the year when the Indian capital turns to a gas chamber, the air quality has significantly worsened once again. The average air quality index in New Delhi is 315 which falls in the very poor category.

India: Delhi's AQI enters 'very poor' category for the 1st time in this season

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