IMD predicts rainfall in Delhi after Nov 6 amid hazardous air quality

Amid the hazardous air quality in the captial, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that Delhi is likely to receive heavy rainfall after November 6. This will be due to the increase in the wind speed in the region and is bound to bring some relief from the hazardous air quality.

"Presently, there is the negligible wind in Delhi. There is a possibility of an increase in wind speed from today. Wind direction will change after November 6 and rainfall may also occur. There will be a relief once it happens," said KV Singh, IMD official.

Pollution levels in Delhi and neighbouring cities dropped marginally on Saturday with a slight increase in the wind speed but the air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions continued to remain in the 'hazardous category' with the pollution level hovering near 400 today. Because of the thick blanket of smog in the morning, commuters faced difficulty reaching their office on time as the visibility was affected causing slow movement of traffic at the major junctions.

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Delhi Schools To Be Shut Till Tuesday

Due to the prevailing weather condition, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has announced to shut the schools till November 5 and has also banned all construction activities. The government has declared a "public health emergency".

"In the wake of rising level of pollution caused by stubble burning, the Delhi government has decided to shut all schools till November 5," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. Kejriwal also met EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal and assured him of all cooperation in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). "I had an excellent meeting with Bhure Lal ji, EPCA chief. I sought guidance from him and reiterated the commitment of our government in dealing with pollution. I also assured him all cooperation in implementing GRAP and other measures," Kejriwal said in another tweet.

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(With ANI Inputs)