The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP-4 curbs in Delhi on the night of January 16, while the IMD issued a yellow alert for January 17 and 18
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted restrictions under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) in Delhi on January 16 due to a dip in pollution levels. The national capital’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 302 ("very poor") at 4 pm on January 16. However, GRAP 3 restrictions will remain in effect.
The GRAP-4 curbs were imposed in Delhi on January 15 as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) logged an AQI of 386 amid a sharp dip in air quality due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to the official order.
All India Weather Forecast Bulletin (AQEWS), which is a real-time monitoring system tracking air quality and visibility levels, also said that Delhi's air quality is projected to be "very poor" until January 19 . Thereafter, from January 20 onwards, Delhi's AQI is expected to be in the “very poor” to “poor” category for the next six days.
Meanwhile, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, forecasting dense to very dense fog for January 17 and January 18. Due to fresh snowfall in the mountains, the minimum temperature is expected to drop sharply, from 8 Degrees Celsius on January 17 to 7 Degrees Celsius on January 18, reported The Economic Times.
The AQEWS has also forecast smog and moderate fog conditions during the morning. Smog and shallow fog is likely in most areas during the evening and night. Several flights were delayed on the morning of January 17 due to fog conditions, reported ANI.
The Delhi airport issued an advisory stating that low visibility procedures are still in effect due to dense fog. However, flight operations have not been impacted. The airport urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated information.
The winter fog has also impacted train operations, causing significant delays for passengers. As reported by ANI, 27 trains originating from various stations in Delhi are running late due to dense fog due to reduced visibility.