Delhi witnessed a cold Sunday morningcgebet, with the mercury dropping to 8°C, two degrees below the season’s average. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the chill to a combination of the city's lower-than-usual temperatures and the prevailing high humidity levels, which stood at a stifling 94% at 8:30 am. As the city braced for rain, the IMD forecasted generally cloudy skies with chances of light drizzle throughout the day, while temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 24°C.

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However, while the winter chill is naturally expected, Delhi residents are also grappling with another pressing issue: pollution. After a week of ‘moderate’ air quality, Delhi’s AQI plunged again into the ‘very poor’ category. 23 out of 38 monitoring stations in the city reported 'very poor' air quality, with some stations showing AQI readings as high as 346. 

The deteriorating air quality is compounded by the ongoing winter conditions, which trap pollutants near the ground, making it harder for the air to clear. As temperatures drop, residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, especially during morning and evening hours when pollution levels are at their peak.

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Delhi govt sets up tents for homeless

To address the needs of the homeless during the harsh winter nights, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents, exceeding its initial target of 250 as part of the winter action plan for 2024-25. This comes after the national capital recorded its coldest night of the season on Saturday when temperatures dropped to 7.1°C.

According to the Delhi government's winter action plan 2024-25 launched on November 15, a total of 250 tents are to be set up. The remaining 15 tents have been reserved for an emergency.

These tents provide essential amenities, including mattresses, blankets, hot meals, and health checkups, offering refuge to the city's most vulnerable during the cold nights. The shelters have also been equipped with geysers for hot water, ensuring comfort during the winter months. 

Moreover, 16 rescue teams, working with local NGOs and social mobilization agencies, will patrol the streets from 10 pm to 4 am to rescue people found sleeping outdoors, transporting them to shelters for safety and warmth.

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Furthermore, the Delhi government has allocated Rs 3 crore for the program, which will run until March 2025. A central control room, alongside mobile apps and a helplinecgebet, coordinates the rescue operations.

• Delhi
• Again
• cgebet
• AQI
• Deteriorates