Delhi experienced a hazy Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 366 by 10 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several parts of the city are now facing ‘Very Poor’ air quality.
The city’s 24-hour average AQI was 279 on Wednesday, a slight improvement from Tuesday’s 294. These figures come despite ongoing cloud seeding trials aimed at improving air quality in the national capital. On Monday, the AQI had reached 301, falling into the ‘Very Poor’ category.
While the overall air quality shows some fluctuation, it is expected to hover between the ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ categories in the coming days. The CPCB data from 9 am indicates the following AQI levels in key Delhi areas:
| Area | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Ashoke Vihar | 408 | Severe |
| Wazirpur | 399 | Very Poor |
| Jahangirpuri | 394 | Very Poor |
| Ashoke Vihar | 392 | Very Poor |
| Sonia Vihar | 382 | Very Poor |
| ITO | 374 | Very Poor |
| Burari | 373 | Very Poor |
| Punjabi Bagh | 372 | Very Poor |
| Alipur | 372 | Very Poor |
| Aya Nagar | 341 | Very Poor |
Following post-Diwali celebrations, many areas in Delhi have experienced ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ air quality, leading to the implementation of Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). To combat the worsening pollution, truck-mounted water sprinklers have been deployed across the city.
Cloud Seeding Trials Show Limited Impact
Despite several cloud seeding attempts by the government as part of its air quality management strategy, Delhi’s AQI remains in the ‘Poor’ category. Two trials, conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur on Tuesday, did not yield significant positive results due to low moisture content in the atmosphere, which is not ideal for the process.
Wednesday’s cloud seeding attempt was postponed due to insufficient moisture. IIT Kanpur stated that the success of cloud seeding is highly dependent on atmospheric conditions. Although immediate, favorable results were not observed, the trials did lead to a measurable reduction in major pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10.
NDMC Increases Parking Fees
In response to the deteriorating air quality and the invocation of GRAP Stage-II, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced a doubling of parking fees across the city. This measure aims to discourage the use of private vehicles by increasing charges for both off-road and indoor parking managed by the NDMC.
Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has prohibited the entry of commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards starting November 1. Vehicles not meeting BS-VI standards are permitted to enter the city until October 31, 2026.