In New Delhi, the air quality showed signs of improvement, reaching a moderate level on Wednesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 190, according to SAFAR-India. The latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) revealed that air quality around Delhi University remained poor at 273, while the IIT area in New Delhi saw a moderate AQI at 173. Lodhi Road also reported moderate air quality at 149, according to SAFAR. The air quality in areas like Signature Bridge and Akshardham was recorded at 190.

On Tuesday, the AQI had exceeded 300 in at least 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi. Meanwhile, Noida and Gurugram recorded poor and moderate AQI levels at 219 and 169, respectively.

SAFAR`s statement noted that the dominant surface winds in Delhi were expected to come from the northwest direction with wind speeds ranging from 12-16 kmph, becoming calm in the evening. The sky was predicted to be clear and misty in the morning on October 26. While SAFAR had initially forecasted the air quality to be in the lower end of the very poor category on October 26, it was measured in the moderate category on Wednesday morning.

According to media reports. The air quality in Delhi has been further impacted by stubble burning in parts of Punjab and Haryana in recent days. Data revealed over 2,500 cases of stubble burning this year, although the numbers were better compared to the previous two years. To mitigate the increased pollution, the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been put into effect in Delhi, as announced by Environment Minister Gopal Rai. He noted the changing weather conditions and the need for controlling pollution sources to minimize its impact on people`s health. The Environment Minister stressed the importance of reducing pollution-related health effects and called for collaborative efforts across departments to address the situation. The Air Quality Index, which categorizes air quality for better understanding, is a vital tool in conveying air quality status to the public. The categories range from "Good + Satisfactory" to "Severe" and are determined based on ambient concentration values of air pollutants and their potential health impacts.

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