Delhi breathed its cleanest air in years, recording an AQI of 85, as authorities revoked Stage-1 curbs under the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP).
Delhi witnessed a significant improvement in air quality on Saturday, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85, marking the lowest level recorded in the January to mid-March period over the last three years. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that this was also the first ‘satisfactory’ air quality day of 2025 for the national capital.
The CAQM, in a post on X, highlighted that Delhi had not recorded a ‘satisfactory’ AQI in March since 2020. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between:
- 0 and 50 is considered ‘Good’
- 51 to 100 is ‘Satisfactory’
- 101 to 200 is ‘Moderate’
- 201 to 300 is ‘Poor’
- 301 to 400 is ‘Very Poor’
- 401 to 500 is ‘Severe’
As of 7 PM on Saturday, the Anand Vihar air quality monitor recorded an AQI of 80, while Alipur registered a ‘Good’ air quality level of 48—the lowest AQI in the city for the day.
GRAP Stage-1 Restrictions Lifted
With air quality showing notable improvement due to favorable winds, light rain, and improved meteorological conditions, the CAQM lifted restrictions under Stage-1 of GRAP in Delhi-NCR.
The panel stated, “AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement, and the forecast predicts AQI to mainly remain in the ‘Satisfactory to Moderate’ category in the coming days.”
Authorities have been directed to ensure that air quality does not deteriorate into the ‘Poor’ category.
Delhi Weather Update
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a minimum temperature of 19°C and a maximum of 33°C on Saturday, with thunderstorms and rain. For Sunday, March 16, Delhi is expected to have a generally cloudy sky with light rain, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 32°C.
Rising Temperatures Across India
As summer approaches, several parts of India are witnessing a rise in temperatures. In northern Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district, Ainapur Hobli recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8°C in the past 24 hours.
According to IMD, maximum temperatures in North Interior Karnataka are expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees in the next five days. A heatwave warning has been issued for March 18 and 19 in isolated areas.
Meanwhile, neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are likely to witness isolated to scattered light or moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on March 15 and 16, according to IMD’s forecast.
Conclusion
Delhi’s air quality improvement offers much-needed relief, but authorities stress continued efforts to maintain these levels. With summer temperatures rising, other parts of the country are bracing for heatwave conditions in the coming weeks.
Sources By Agencies
