Delhi's Air Quality Remains in 'Very Poor' Category Amid Cold Winds; Government Announces Stricter Measures

Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday morning, with cold winds sweeping across the national capital. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) at 7 am across all monitoring stations was below the severe range, although several areas recorded ‘poor’ levels.AQI readings across key areasAnand Vihar: 341Ashok Vihar: 349Bawana: 376Also ReadTrump to deliver prime-time address on Thursday morning amid waning supportDelhi tightens pollution norms, bars non-BS-VI vehicles from Dec 18Centre to sell up to 3% stake in Indian Overseas Bank, eyes ₹2,100 croreMeet Archna Vyas, the new Gates Foundation country director for IndiaImpossible to fix AQI in 9-10 months, says Delhi Environment MinisterChandni Chowk: 328RK Puram: 341Rohini: 364Vivek Vihar: 354By 4 pm on Tuesday, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 354, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. Jahangirpuri, Mundka, and Wazirpur recorded the highest readings at 426.CPCB AQI categories:0–50: Good51–100: Satisfactory101–200: Moderate201–300: Poor301–400: Very poor401–500: SevereGovernment tightens pollution curbsDelhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that from Thursday, December 18, only BS-VI-compliant vehicles from outside Delhi would be allowed entry into the capital. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will also be denied fuel at petrol pumps. Automated cameras at fuel stations will monitor compliance.Sirsa added that Delhi currently operates 3,400 electric buses, with plans to expand the fleet to 7,500 to reduce vehicular emissions. A scientific committee has been constituted to recommend pollution-control measures, while the Commission for Air Quality Management has set up a separate panel.Construction-related vehicles will face bans, and strict penalties, including sealing of offending vehicles will be imposed on violators.ALSO READ:Delhi tightens pollution norms, bars non-BS-VI vehicles from Dec 18Weather forecastDense smog that disrupted transport, flights, and road safety over the past few days appears to have cleared on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mainly clear skies, with shallow fog at many places and moderate fog at isolated locations during morning hours.Maximum temperatures are expected between 23–25 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to remain between 9–11 degrees Celsius.