Overnight Rain Brings Relief to Polluted Delhi, Air Quality Improves Slightly

“Delhi-NCR sees a slight improvement in AQI after overnight rain, but pollution curbs are back as AQI nears the ‘severe’ threshold.”

January 16, 2025: While overnight rainfall in Delhi-NCR slightly improved air quality, the city remains in the ‘very poor’ AQI category as stricter pollution curbs are reimposed.

Also Read: Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi, Visibility Hits Zero in Several Areas

Details on Air Quality and Measures

The national capital and its neighboring areas experienced overnight rainfall, leading to a slight improvement in air quality and a rise in temperature. However, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was still recorded at 356 (‘very poor’) on Thursday, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Also Read: Dense Fog and Poor Air Quality Continue to Disrupt Delhi; Orange Alert Issued

To address the worsening pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR. These measures were implemented after a sharp increase in pollutant concentrations due to dense fog, low temperatures, and unfavorable weather conditions.

Pollution and Education Adjustments

An official statement highlighted the worsening air quality trends:

AQI on January 14: 275
AQI on January 15: 386, with levels rising further to 393 and 396 in the evening.
Predictions from the IMD/IITM suggest that the AQI may breach the 400 mark, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ category.

In response, the Delhi Directorate of Education announced hybrid classes for students up to Classes IX and XI, prioritizing their health amidst the pollution concerns.

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal Declares ₹1.7 Crore Assets, Faces 14 Cases Ahead of Delhi Polls

Current Weather and Air Quality

Delhi continues to experience cold wave conditions, contributing to elevated pollution levels and hindering pollutant dispersion. Fortunately, no reports of flooding or waterlogging have been recorded following the rain.