Delhi's air quality eases to moderate after three-day pollution spike

Delhi's air quality showed marked improvement on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 185 at 9 a.m., indicating moderate pollution levels, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. This represented a substantial decline from the 24-hour average of 230 recorded the previous evening, which fell in the poor category.

The three-day stretch of poor air quality has ended as meteorological conditions became more favourable for pollution dispersal. Wind patterns and atmospheric circulation appear to have aided the movement of pollutants away from the metropolitan region, providing residents with cleaner air to breathe.

While the current moderate readings offer some respite, Delhi residents and environmental observers remain cautious about air quality trends heading into the winter months. Historically, the capital's air pollution peaks between October and January, when cooler temperatures and reduced wind speeds trap pollutants in the atmosphere, often pushing AQI readings into hazardous levels.

Authorities continue to monitor air quality metrics closely as the season progresses. The CPCB tracks real-time AQI data across multiple monitoring stations throughout the city to alert residents and inform policy decisions related to pollution control measures.