Capital sees warmer days; most air pollution curbs lifted

On Sunday, the maximum temperature is likely to be 25 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is likely to be 11 degrees Celsius. Strong winds are on the forecast for the day.

Meanwhile, the AQI recorded Friday was 252, in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. It improved to 180, in the ‘moderate’ category Saturday.

Most restrictions that were imposed to curb air pollution have been lifted, including the ban on diesel generator sets.

A total of 40 flying squads constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have been inspecting construction and demolition sites, air pollution hotspots, and industrial units in the NCR for compliance with norms to control pollution.

Since December, when the teams were constituted, a total of 4,890 sites have been inspected and 407 units were issued closure notices. Out of these, 187 units were allowed to resume operations after levying environmental compensation, according to a communication from the CAQM.

Of the units to which closure notices were issued, 94 sites were Delhi, while the others were in the NCR districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The CAQM has directed State Pollution Control Boards to ensure that large construction sites are adhering to norms to mitigate pollution from dust.