Rainfall Improves Air Quality Across Delhi-NCR, AQI Falls to ‘Satisfactory’ Levels
NEW DELHI — Air quality across the Delhi-National Capital Region improved significantly after rainfall and cooler winds swept through the area, pushing the Air Quality Index into the “satisfactory” category at many monitoring stations.
The improved conditions brought relief to residents as several locations recorded AQI readings within the “green” and “satisfactory” ranges, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board and other monitoring agencies.
In Delhi, AQI readings remained within the satisfactory category at multiple stations. Alipur recorded an AQI of 74, Ashok Vihar 92, Aya Nagar 87 and Burari Crossing 86. Other stations also reported improved conditions, including the Commonwealth Sports Complex with an AQI of 95 and CRRI on Mathura Road with a reading of 72.
However, a few areas continued to report slightly higher pollution levels. Bawana recorded an AQI of 117, the Cantonment area 116 and Chandni Chowk 117, all falling within the “moderate” category.
Air quality also improved in neighboring cities across the NCR.
In Noida, all four monitoring stations reported AQI levels in the satisfactory range, including 70 in Sector 62, 90 in Sector 125, 85 in Sector 1 and 84 in Sector 116.
Ghaziabad also saw better air quality, with AQI readings of 80 in Indirapuram, 64 in Sanjay Nagar and 84 in Vasundhara. However, the Loni area recorded a higher AQI of 133, placing it in the moderate category.
Meteorological officials said the improvement in air quality was linked to recent rainfall and cooler winds that helped disperse pollutants across the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s seven-day forecast for the NCR region, the minimum temperature recorded on March 16 was 17 degrees Celsius while the maximum reached 27 degrees Celsius under mostly clear skies.
Temperatures are expected to rise slightly in the coming days, with the maximum likely to reach 28 degrees Celsius on March 17 and 29 degrees Celsius on March 18.
Weather patterns may shift again starting March 19, when the forecast predicts partly cloudy skies and the possibility of rain or thundershowers at isolated locations.
Light rainfall and partly cloudy conditions are also expected on March 20, followed by generally overcast skies with light rain on March 21.
Experts say continued rainfall and stronger winds could help maintain improved air quality across the Delhi-NCR region in the coming days. (Source: IANS)
