NEW DELHI: Delhi witnessed a marked improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 221 around 8 am. Despite the improvement, the air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The AQI showed a sharp drop compared to Wednesday, when it had soared above 300. However, a thin layer of smog continued to linger over parts of the city, keeping overall conditions unhealthy.
In Anand Vihar, visibility improved slightly, though a thin layer of smog persisted, with the AQI recorded at 292, still in the ‘poor’ category. Other areas, including Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, and India Gate, also experienced lingering smog this morning.
Air quality improved in several parts of the capital but largely stayed within the ‘poor’ range, including Bawana (289), Chandni Chowk (255), Dwarka Sector 8 (222), Patparganj (230), and DTU (249). Some areas, however, recorded better conditions, entering the ‘moderate’ category, such as Aya Nagar (137), Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137), and CRRI Mathura Road (162).
The improvement comes after Wednesday’s very poor air quality, when the city recorded an average AQI of 271, down sharply from 412 the previous day. Strong winds helped disperse pollutants, contributing to the cleaner conditions.
On Tuesday, the Delhi Cabinet approved a series of initiatives designed to bolster pollution control measures and enhance environmental governance throughout the city.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reprimanded the Centre for imposing 18% GST on air purifiers and HEPA filters, even as Delhi and surrounding areas grapple with severe air pollution.
Calling the situation a “health emergency,” the court noted that at a time when citizens require basic protection against toxic air, the least the authorities could do is reduce GST on purifiers.
The bench gave the Centre two days to respond and observed that the government must either ensure access to clean air or make purifiers more affordable. It also directed the GST Council to convene at the earliest to consider the proposal.
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