Delhi AQI: Neighbouring cities also reported poor air quality. According to data from the CPCB's SAMEER app, Noida recorded an AQI of 331 and Ghaziabad 321 -- both falling in the 'very poor' category.
Delhi's air quality stayed in the 'very poor' category on Monday morning, but a slight improvement is likely as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain in the national capital today.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 315 at 6 am, News18 reported.
Neighbouring cities also reported poor air quality. According to data from the CPCB's SAMEER app, Noida recorded an AQI of 331 and Ghaziabad 321 -- both falling in the 'very poor' category. Air quality improved slightly in Greater Noida (AQI 288) and Gurugram (AQI 244), bringing both areas into the 'poor' category. Faridabad, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of 198, which falls in the 'moderate' range.
As per the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
The IMD has predicted light rain or drizzle in Delhi and nearby areas on October 27, which is expected to bring some relief from pollution levels, the report added. The maximum and minimum temperatures on Monday are likely to settle around 29°C and 18°C, respectively.
Further, water sprinklers were also deployed in the city to combat air pollution.
On Sunday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 15.8°C -- the lowest in October in the past two years and 1.4 degrees below normal. In comparison, the minimum temperature had dropped to 15.9°C in October 2023 and 17.4°C during the same month in 2022.
NDMC launches 'mist sprayer project'
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has launched the second phase of its "mist sprayer project" along Shanti Path and Africa Avenue to combat rising air pollution.
According to the civic body, the initiative builds on the success of the first phase implemented at Lodhi Road. The mist sprayers, mounted on electric poles, release fine droplets of treated water to help settle dust and pollutants, thereby improving air quality. The system also assists in watering roadside plants and conserving water.