On Friday morning, Delhi witnessed light rain, bringing a temporary respite to its residents from the thick blanket of pollution that has been choking the city for weeks. As the rain fell, the usual smog and dust that have plagued the capital’s air quality were momentarily swept away, offering a welcome breath of fresh air for many. The city also saw a layer of dense fog enveloping its streets, reducing visibility and giving the atmosphere a cold, misty feel. While the rain and fog have improved the air quality to some extent, the city’s pollution levels remain dangerously high, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) still in the “very poor” category.
As the rain soaked the streets of Delhi, many residents and tourists took to social media to share their experiences of the change in weather. Some described the weather as a rare occurrence in the capital, evoking memories of pleasant hill station climates. Despite the brief rain, the air quality remains a major concern for the residents, with reports of high AQI levels across different parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the rain will continue, with thunderstorms expected on both Friday and Saturday. While the rains bring some relief, they do little to address the city’s underlying air quality issues.
The persistent pollution in Delhi has long been a major concern, particularly during the winter months when the city experiences a combination of fog, smoke from crop burning, and vehicular emissions. While the rain may provide temporary relief, the city’s ongoing battle with air pollution remains an urgent issue. This article delves into the impact of the rain on Delhi’s air quality, the forecasts for the coming days, and the measures being implemented to curb pollution in the capital.
A Refreshing Change in the Weather after Light Rain
Local residents and tourists alike were delighted by the change in weather. Deepak Pandey, a local, remarked, “The weather has become good and it feels like Kashmir. It is cold, but the rain has decreased the level of pollution, making it pleasant to travel.” A tourist from Madhya Pradesh, Raman Kushwaha, shared similar sentiments, saying, “It’s cold, and there’s light rain, but it’s good to visit places in this weather. Pollution has also decreased.”
The light drizzle was a rare sight in Delhi, a city usually known for its scorching summers and chilly winters. The rain and fog brought with them a sense of calm, allowing the residents a brief respite from the usual chaotic weather patterns. Many took to parks, open spaces, and tourist sites to enjoy the weather. Visually, the Kartavya Path area in central Delhi looked serene with the fog and drizzle combining to give the area a misty, almost picturesque appearance.
Though the rain brought some relief to the residents, it highlighted the city’s ongoing environmental challenges. While the weather change was appreciated, it also shed light on the need for long-term solutions to tackle air pollution, which remains a persistent issue for Delhi residents.
Air Quality Update: AQI Still in ‘Very Poor’ Category
Despite the rain, the air quality in Delhi remained concerning. As of 7 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 371, in the ‘very poor’ category. Various locations in the city showed troubling AQI levels:
- Anand Vihar: 398
- IGI Airport (T3): 340
- Aya Nagar: 360
- Lodhi Road: 345
- ITO: 380
- Chandani Chowk: 315
- Punjabi Bagh: 386
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) confirmed the AQI, indicating that the city continues to grapple with unhealthy air quality, despite the brief relief from rainfall. Experts warn that the AQI remains harmful, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The city remains on high alert, as even with the rain, the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air are still far beyond safe levels.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Updates
The Central Government’s air quality monitoring panel had lifted Stage IV (‘Severe+’) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on December 24 after an improvement in the air quality. However, restrictions under Stages I, II, and III are still in effect to prevent any further decline. The decision came after the AQI improved due to favourable meteorological conditions, including improved wind speed, as per forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Previously, Stage IV measures had been invoked on December 16 when AQI levels crossed 400, leading to restrictions on industrial activities, construction, and non-essential truck entry into Delhi. The measures are part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which implements emergency measures to tackle pollution based on AQI severity. Even though the immediate measures under Stage IV were revoked, Delhi continues to implement more moderate actions to curb pollution.
Despite these efforts, air quality remains poor, and many experts argue that the only long-term solution is systemic reform and broader environmental policy changes that focus on tackling the root causes of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial waste, and the burning of crop residue.
The Role of Weather in Pollution Levels
Meteorologists have pointed out that weather conditions play a significant role in shaping the air quality in Delhi. During the winter months, the combination of fog, stagnant air, and cooler temperatures often causes pollutants to get trapped near the ground, exacerbating pollution levels. While rainfall can temporarily help clear the air, it is not a permanent solution. In this case, although Friday’s rain provided temporary relief from pollution, Delhi still faces the larger issue of excessive vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollutants.
The IMD has predicted that thunderstorms could help improve air quality further over the weekend. However, the authorities and citizens alike must continue to advocate for cleaner energy sources, greener transportation, and more stringent environmental regulations to ensure that the rain does not become a short-term fix for a much larger issue.
While the rain has brought temporary relief from the pollution in Delhi, the city’s AQI remains dangerously high. The predicted thunderstorms may bring further showers, but the authorities remain cautious, with air quality measures still in place. As Delhi continues to struggle with its air quality, the residents hope for more favourable weather conditions in the days to come, but the urgent need for lasting environmental reforms remains.
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