Delhi Air Quality Improves, Still Breaths Toxic Air

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was recorded in the 'very poor' category on Saturday, with an average AQI of 398.

New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital has improved, but the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday, with an average AQI of 398. The National Green Tribunal has taken cognizance of the deteriorating air quality and issued a stern directive to Delhi-NCR authorities to implement stringent measures to curb pollution and improve air quality. Notably, Delhi’s air quality has improved a bit after remaining in the ‘severe’ category for three consecutive days. The overall AQI of Delhi, recorded at 6 am on Saturday, stood at 398, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Of Different Areas

According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded at 6 am, the air quality was measured at 396 in RK Puram, 350 in New Moti Bagh, 465 in the IGI Airport area, and 416 in Nehru Nagar. Most of these readings fall within the ‘very poor’ category.

The national capital’s 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4pm every day, stood at 405 yesterday. It stood at 419 on Thursday, 401 on Wednesday, 397 on Tuesday, 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday.

Delhi Air Pollution: Health Advisory

Amid the surging air pollution levels, the Delhi health department has released an advisory to address the impact of this environmental concern. The advisory underscores the importance of taking essential measures to safeguard public health, focusing on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, individuals with underlying medical conditions, children, and the elderly.

Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP 4 Regulations

To curb pollution and ensure adherence to anti-pollution measures, police are inspecting trucks carrying non-essential goods at different borders including the Ghazipur and the Tikri borders, as part of the GRAP 4 regulations.

Under Delhi’s air pollution control strategy (GRAP Stage IV), only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are permitted to enter the city, excluding those involved in essential services.

Delhi Air Pollution: Artificial Rain

The Delhi government is gearing up for a round of artificial rain in the city on November 20-21 to alleviate the suffering of residents grappling with a sharp decline in air quality over the past week.

Delhi Air Pollution: Reason Behind Deteriorating Air Quality

The air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated in the past week due to dropping temperatures, stagnant winds limiting pollution dispersion, and an increase in post-harvest paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi Air Pollution: Weather Condition, Stubble Burning Primary Reasons

Adverse meteorological conditions, along with emissions from firecrackers, stubble burning, and local sources of pollution, combine to push the air quality in Delhi-NCR to hazardous levels during the winter season. According to the news agency ANI, there have been over 2,500 reported cases of stubble burning this year.