'Weather will worsen again': Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warns of dense fog; urges collective action

NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday warned of worsening air quality in the national capital, citing the likely impact of an approaching Western Disturbance and the high possibility of dense fog. He urged residents to remain cautious, noting that even though GRAP-4 measures have been lifted, collective efforts are needed to mitigate the effects."Delhi's weather will worsen again because the effect of the Western Disturbance will be seen in Delhi again after tomorrow. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a high possibility of dense fog, " Manjinder Singh Sirsa said."Based on data from previous years, Delhi's weather is likely to worsen. I appeal to the people of Delhi that even though GRAP-4 has been lifted, we all need to work together on several things, " Sirsa added.The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at around 8 am today was 305, placing Delhi in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).In ITO, a dense layer of smog reduced visibility, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering at 330, placing the area in the ‘very poor’ category. Thick smog was also observed in parts of Akshardham and around AIIMS on Friday morning.CPCB data showed that several other areas in Delhi, including Anand Vihar (390), Bawana (379), Narela (356), and R.K Puram (320), also experienced poor air quality, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. Sirifort recorded similar conditions, with an AQI of 317.Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, led by chief minister Rekha Gupta, approved several major measures aimed at strengthening the capital’s fight against pollution and enhancing environmental governance.The Cabinet sanctioned an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. Out of roughly 1,000 water bodies in the city, 160 are under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.(With agency inputs)