Delhi's air quality improves to 'very poor' for first time since November 2

Delhi's air quality stayed above 300 throughout November, with the air quality under 'very poor', 'severe' and 'severe plus' categories.

In Short

• None of the 38 stations in Delhi recorded AQI in severe category
• GRAP-IV restrictions were imposed after it breached 'severe plus' mark last week
• Delhi's air quality recorded in 'very poor' category for first time since November 2

Delhi experienced its cleanest day in a long time on Sunday as the air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category, days after being in the 'severe' and 'severe plus' categories. The average 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 318 in the 'very poor' category, for the first time since November 2, when the AQI was recorded at 316.

The development came a day after the AQI was recorded at 412 in the severe category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

None of the 38 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded AQI in the severe category on Sunday, compared to 20 stations that recorded severe air quality the previous day, according to the SAMEER app, news agency PTI reported.

Delhi's air quality stayed above 300 throughout November, with the air quality under 'very poor', 'severe' and 'severe plus' categories. It was recorded under the 'poor' category for the last time on October 30.

The air quality has been "very poor" for a total of 16 days in November, while it has been under the "severe" category for six days, and peaked at the "severe plus" level for two days.

Anti-pollution curbs under GRAP-IV were implemented on November 18, after the AQI breached the 'severe plus' mark for the first time a day before. On the same day, the Supreme Court lashed out at the Delhi government and the CAQM for the delay in implementing the anti-pollution curbs, and said GRAP-IV restrictions would not be lifted without informing the court.

“Even if the AQI goes below 400, you will continue with Stage 4 measures. That’s the order we propose to pass,” the court had affirmed.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is tasked with the critical responsibility of monitoring pollution and guiding various states to take adequate measures. Despite efforts, especially in Punjab and Haryana, to curb stubble burning, the pollution levels in Delhi have broken all records this year.