Delhi air quality improves slightly, back into 'severe' category

NEW DELHI: Delhi's air quality showed slight improvement Wednesday morning, moving from the "severe plus" category to "severe".

A thick smog continues to blanket the city, impacting visibility and air quality.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 9 am air quality index (AQI) of 424, categorized as "severe." The AQI had remained in the "severe plus" category for the two previous days.

Read more: Delhi Air Pollution Live Updates: Deadly & toxic air turns city into gas chamber

Despite the hazardous air, people were seen taking morning walks and jogging near India Gate. Train movement continued, though the railway reported 13 trains running late and nine rescheduled due to smog.

The persistent pollution is also impacting the Yamuna River, with thick toxic foam seen floating near Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage.

Various areas within Delhi recorded alarmingly high AQI levels, ranging from 382 to 465, according to SAFAR-India.

Delhi Police are enforcing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including a ban on older diesel vehicles.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged the Union Environment Minister to consider cloud seeding as an emergency measure. “The time has come to carry out artificial rainfall to break the smog layer," stated Rai. He emphasized the need for an emergency meeting to discuss the immediate implementation of cloud seeding.

The Supreme Court has also directed Delhi and surrounding areas to strictly enforce anti-pollution measures.

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