New Delhi, Oct 26: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Monday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 187 recorded at 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa credited residents, civic authorities and law enforcement agencies for their efforts to control pollution.
Representational Image
Sirsa said the city’s AQI was around 180 on Monday, compared with 153 the previous day, and thanked Delhi residents for their cooperation in efforts to improve air quality.
“The Delhi government, our colleagues in the Municipal Corporation, Delhi Traffic Police and the citizens of Delhi have continuously provided tremendous support,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged neighbouring states and police personnel in adjoining districts, saying enforcement measures over the past three days had focused on preventing polluting vehicles from entering the national capital.
Air Quality Varies Across Monitoring Stations
While Delhi’s overall AQI remained moderate, readings across monitoring stations showed significant differences in pollution levels.
Burari recorded an AQI of 128, while Badarpur registered 125. Nangloi reported 150, JNU recorded 157 and Mandir Marg stood at 165.
However, several locations continued to report poor air quality. Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 251, followed by R.K. Puram at 233, CRRI Mathura Road at 231, Punjabi Bagh at 229, Narela at 227, Mundka at 226 and Vivek Vihar at 240.
The figures indicate that, despite the citywide reading falling within the moderate category, pollution remains a concern in several neighbourhoods.
White Foam Returns to Yamuna Ahead of Chhath Puja
Meanwhile, the reappearance of white foam in the Yamuna near Okhla Barrage has raised fresh concerns about river pollution ahead of Chhath Puja. Visuals on Saturday showed a layer of foam on a stretch of the river flowing towards Kalindi Kunj.
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma said foam was not visible along most of the 52-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna flowing through Delhi. He attributed the visible foam near the boundary with Uttar Pradesh to water falling from a height.
Verma also said preparations for Chhath Puja were progressing well, with additional ghats being developed and the Delhi Jal Board set to provide clean water at the sites. He said officials had been instructed to ensure that arrangements were in place for the festival.
The foam’s reappearance has once again drawn attention to the Yamuna’s continuing pollution challenges.
GRAP Stage I Measures in Place
Delhi’s air pollution remains a concern as winter approaches. Last week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality in the Delhi-NCR region deteriorated to the poor category.
The measures include restrictions on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries. The operation of diesel generator sets is also restricted, except for essential and emergency services.
With pollution levels varying across the capital, authorities continue to face the challenge of sustaining improvements in air quality while addressing persistent pollution hotspots and broader environmental concerns.