The residents of Delhi woke up to a slightly improved air quality on Monday morning, as the national capital recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 279, in the "poor" category, against Sunday's "very poor" AQI of 318. A layer of haze shrouded the city, slightly blurring the silhouettes and hampering visibility, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to review on Monday whether to continue emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address Delhi's air pollution crisis. The decision will determine the future of restrictions aimed at curbing severe air quality levels.

The air quality in the city has shown improvement following Diwali. However, several air monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels between 200 and 300, though a few still remain in the "very poor" category.

This came as Delhi-NCR remains under the Stage 4 pollution curbs of the Graded Response Action Plan. These measures include a ban on truck entry, except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Construction at public projects has been halted entirely.

According to the CPCB, yesterday’s 24-hour average AQI was 318, the second-best reading this month after November 2, when it stood at 316. The improvement has been attributed to higher wind speeds and clearer skies, which were aided by a slight rise in temperature.

On the other hand, toxic foam was spotted floating on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, highlighting high pollution levels in the water, news agency ANI reported.

The city is expected to witness a cold day, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Source: India Today