New Delhi

Delhi witnessed a notable improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 221 around 8 am, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The air quality showed a sharp improvement compared to Wednesday, when AQI levels had crossed 300. Despite the improvement, a thin layer of smog continued to linger in several parts of the national capital.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 292, while smog was also observed in areas including Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham and India Gate. Other locations such as Bawana (289), Chandni Chowk (255), Dwarka Sector 8 (222), Patparganj (230) and DTU (249) remained in the ‘poor’ category.

Some areas reported relatively better air quality. Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 137, falling in the ‘moderate’ category, while Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137) and CRRI Mathura Road (162) also saw moderate air quality.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revoked Stage-IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing sustained improvement in air quality due to high wind speeds and favourable meteorological conditions.

READ MORE: Five places in India where Christmas comes alive in spirit and celebration

However, forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate a possible rise in AQI levels in the coming days due to slower winds.