Delhi weather update: Dense smog blankets city as AQI jumps to 305 on Friday

Delhi witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality on Friday morning with the overall Air Quality Index AQI reaching 305 at around 8 am entering the lsquovery poorrsquo category according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB reported news agency ANIThe air quality worsened significantly compared to Thursday afternoon when the AQI was recorded at 234 A thick layer of smog continues to linger over parts of the city keeping overall air quality at unhealthy levelsIn ITO visibility was reduced due to dense smog with the AQI recorded at 330 placing it firmly in the lsquovery poorrsquo category Thick smog was also observed in areas surrounding Akshardham and AIIMS on Friday morningAccording to CPCB data several other areas in the capital including Anand Vihar 390 Bawana 379 Narela 356 and RK Puram 320 also saw a drop in air quality remaining in the very poor category Sirifort recorded similar conditions with an AQI of 317However some parts of the city fared better NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 253 placing it in the poor category Sri Aurobindo Marg 258 Mandir Marg 234 and IGI Airport T3 239 also recorded relatively better air quality but it remained in the poor category reported ANIAccording to CPCB categorisation 050 is good 51100 satisfactory 101200 moderate 201300 poor 301400 very poor and 401500 severeDelhi Cabinet actionEarlier the Delhi Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved a series of major decisions to strengthen the capitals fight against pollution and improve environmental governance reported ANIThe Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies that are under the Delhi government There are approximately 1000 such water bodies in Delhi of which 160 fall under the Delhi Governments jurisdictionAccording to ANI Sirsa stated The rejuvenation of Delhis water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the yearThe Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhis first EWaste Park at Holambi Kalan covering 115 acres which will adhere to the best pollution norms and operate on a 10037 circular zerowaste modelThis will be Indias first stateoftheart ewaste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism Sirsa said reported ANIHe emphasised that the plant will set a benchmark for sustainable ewaste management ensuring no water or air pollution and contributing significantly to Delhis clean industrial infrastructureAdditionally the Delhi Government has decided to continue the No PUCC No Fuel campaign even after GRAP restrictions are lifted reinforcing vehicle emission compliance yearroundAnnouncing the outcomes Minister for Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these initiatives would bring a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution while creating a cleaner more sustainable urban environmentWith ANI inputs