Delhi Air Quality Hits 'Satisfactory' Level of 89

Delhi's air quality improved significantly, with AQI recorded at 89 for the second consecutive day. The improvement was credited to a 100-day government action plan. The India Meteorological Department forecast thunderstorms and moderate rainfall, indicating changes in weather that may impact air quality further.

For the second day in a row, Delhi's residents enjoyed uncharacteristically clean air, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at a 'satisfactory' level of 89. This marked the cleanest air the capital has experienced in over eight months, as confirmed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attributed this improvement to a comprehensive government action plan executed over the last 100 days. The initiative saw extensive road cleaning operations, with more than 11 lakh km of roads swept since February 20, and daily sprinkling of water to tame dust levels.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow' alert predicting thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall for the capital on Thursday night, which may further affect air quality. Temperatures in Delhi are expected to be cooler than usual, with highs and lows predicted at 37 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively, in the coming days.

(With inputs from agencies.)