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Delhi air quality in 'severe' category; temp drops to 2.2 degree Celsius

Experts advise caution against respiratory illnesses

Delhi air toxic Toxic smog in Delhi| AP

Delhi is going through the throes of yet another toxic winter. Plummeting air quality and a cold winter has placed an icy grip on the city. AQI has dropped to a severe category, further worsening the situation. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants is likely to increase the risk of lung illnesses among the city's residents. 

With the air quality improving, the restrictions imposed in the Delhi-NCR were lifted which led to the worsening of the air quality.  In the wake of the air quality worsening, the lifted curbs were brought back, as per reports. Construction and demolition activities are banned under stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) plan. 

According to reports, PM 2.5 pollutant, that penetrates the lungs causes chronic respiratory illnesses. Overexposure to this micro-pollutant can even cause lung cancer, say the experts. Therefore health experts had advised those with respiratory illness and severe lung issues to take precautionary measures. 

As of now, stage III of the GRAP plan is in place in the national capital. 

The efficiency of the Commission for Air Quality Management's GRAP plan is questioned after the air quality dip. 

Delhi records minimum temperature 

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday. According to India Meteorological Department, it is the season's lowest so far. 

Due to low visibility, Delhi airport issued an advisory for the passengers. Around 30 flights and trains were delayed due to the dense fog in the area. 

A Railways spokesperson said 36 trains were delayed by one to seven hours due to the foggy weather, reported PTI.

The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, logged a minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius.

Lodhi Road, Ayanagar and Ridge weather stations recorded minimum temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees and 1.5 degrees, respectively.

The weather department has predicted mainly clear skies, moderate to dense fog and cold day conditions during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 16 degrees Celsius, reported PTI. 

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