Pollution in Delhi: Air quality remains ‘poor’ on Diwali morning, could get worse
Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category on Diwali morning and is expected to be ‘very poor’ today and further decline to ‘severe’ on November 13.
New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category on Sunday as the impact of Friday’s overnight rains continued to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR for the third consecutive day coinciding with Diwali. At 4pm on Saturday, the 24-hour air quality index (AQI) stood at 220 due to strong winds. However, an increase in pollution levels is expected after Diwali celebrations as people can still set off fireworks in the evening despite the ban.
The 24-hour air quality index (AQI) reached 220 at 4pm on Saturday as high winds whipped through the city, but a staccato of fireworks sounds punctured hopes that citizens would adhere to the ban on Sunday, likely leading to a spike in air quality. pollution levels once the Diwali celebrations are over.
#WATCH | Delhi: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital remains in the ‘poor’ category.
(Drone footage from ITO, recorded at 6:50 am) pic.twitter.com/xqlEUwiwKr
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023
Air pollution in Delhi: AQI in different areas
The air quality in Anand Vihar area of Delhi was 266, in RK Puram the AQI was 241. The AQI in Punjabi Bagh and ITO remained in the poor category at 233 and 227 AQI respectively.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality across Delhi continues to fall in the ‘Poor’ category.
AQI in Anand Vihar at 266, in RK Puram at 241, in Punjabi Bagh at 233 and in ITO at 227 pic.twitter.com/RsSjFeXXk6
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023
Air Pollution in Delhi: CPCB forecast
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) pollution forecast for the next six days, the relief in air pollution could be temporary, leading to rather soggy days when air quality will deteriorate after Diwali. According to CPBC, the AQI is expected to reach the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday and fall further to ‘severe’ on November 13.
Notably, in 2023, between November 2 and 9, the national capital experienced the longest and most severe streak of air pollution, with an AQI above 390 for eight consecutive days.
AQI is expected to remain in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category for the six days after November 14.
Air pollution in Delhi: health advice
Amid rising air pollution levels, Delhi’s health department has issued an advisory to address the impact of this environmental problem. The advice underlines the importance of taking essential measures to protect public health, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, persons with underlying medical conditions, children and the elderly.
Air Pollution in Delhi: GRAP 4 Regulations
To combat pollution and ensure compliance with anti-pollution measures, police are inspecting trucks carrying non-essential goods at various borders, including Ghazipur and Tikri borders, as part of GRAP 4 regulations.
As per Delhi’s air pollution control strategy (GRAP Stage IV), only CNG, electric and BS VI compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter the city, excluding those engaged in essential services.
Air pollution in Delhi: artificial rain
The Delhi government is gearing up for a round of artificial rain in the city on November 20 and 21 to ease the suffering of residents who have been facing a sharp decline in air quality over the past week.
Air pollution in Delhi: reason behind deteriorating air quality
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated over the past week due to falling temperatures, stagnant winds limiting the spread of pollution, and an increase in post-harvest stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Every third child in Delhi is asthmatic
The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over worsening air pollution and stated that it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that the Air Quality Index (AQI) comes down, with every third child in the national capital being asthmatic. The court made this statement while reviewing various aspects of improving greenery in Delhi, including the process of deconcreting trees to give them more breathing space, eliminating encroachments from the Southern Ridge area and appointing a new forest area for conservation.
Air Pollution in Delhi: Weather Conditions, Stubble Burning Primary Reasons
Adverse meteorological conditions, along with firecracker emissions, stubble burning and local sources of pollution, combine to push air quality in Delhi-NCR to dangerous levels during the winter season. According to news agency ANI, more than 2,500 cases of stubble burning have been reported this year.