A layer of fog
enveloped Delhi on Saturday
morning, reducing visibility and disrupting traffic movement. Other parts of
North India also witnessed dense fog condition this morning. Due to fog, train and flight services
disrupted in the national capital with some flights, and several trains being
delayed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and New Delhi railway
station, respectively.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi recorded a temperature of 11.2 degree Celsius at 5.30 am this
morning. Meanwhile air quality in the
national capital has improved. According to the Central Pollution Control
Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index recorded at 248 at 7 am.
An AQI between zero
and 50 is considered ‘good, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101 and 200 ‘moderate,’
201 and 300 ‘poor,’ 301 and 400 ‘very poor,’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe.’
The Commission for Air
Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to revoke curbs under Stage-III of the
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after a marked improvement in Delhi’s air
quality levels. The decision, announced
on January 17, followed a review by the GRAP Sub-Committee, which observed a
sustained 'improvement' in the Air Quality Index (AQI) from "Severe"
to "Very Poor."
Delhi's AQI, recorded
at 302 on January 16, fell well below the threshold of 350, prompting the
revocation. The CAQM in an order noted that favourable meteorological
conditions, including strong wind speeds, have contributed to the sustained
improvement. However, Stage-I and Stage-II measures under GRAP will remain in
force to ensure continued air quality monitoring and prevent further
deterioration. Homeless people continued
to take to night shelters to escape the increasing cold in Delhi. The Delhi
Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents to provide
shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas...People
were seen sitting by a bonfire, near Ram Janmbhoomi temple in Ayodhya to keep
themselves warm as mercury dips in the city.