The air quality of Delhi remained in the ‘Poor’ category on Diwali morning and would read “very poor” today and further fall to “severe” on November 13.
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category on Sunday, as the impact of Friday’s overnight rains continued to enhance the air quality in Delhi-NCR for the third consecutive day, coinciding with Diwali. At 4 pm on Saturday, the 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) measured at 220 due to strong winds. However, an increase in pollution levels is anticipated after Diwali celebrations, as people might still burst firecrackers in the evening despite the ban.
The 24-hour air quality index (AQI) at 4pm on Saturday came to 220 as strong winds swept the city, but a staccato of firework sounds punctured hopes that citizens would adhere to the ban on Sunday, which will likely lead to a spike in pollution levels once Diwali celebrations are over.
#WATCH | Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘Poor’ category in the national capital as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Drone visuals from ITO, shot at 6:50 am) pic.twitter.com/xqlEUwiwKr
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI In Different Areas
The air quality in Delhi’s Anand Vihar area stood at 266, in RK Puram the AQI was 241. The AQI in Punjabi Bagh and ITO remained in poor category with 233, and 227 AQI, respectively.
Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the ‘Poor’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
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
Delhi Air Pollution: CPCB Forecast
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) pollution forecast for the next six days, the relief from the air pollution might be temporary, making for rather soggy days when the air quality will deteriorate post-Diwali. As per CPBC, the AQI would reach the “very poor” category on Sunday and further dip to “severe” on November 13.
Notably, in 2023, between November 2 and November 9, the national capital lived through its longest and most severe stretch of air pollution, with the AQI above 390 for a record eight consecutive days.
For the six days after November 14, AQI is expected to remain in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category.
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.
Every Third Child in Delhi Asthmatic
The Delhi High Court has expressed its concern over the deteriorating air pollution and stated that it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that the air quality index (AQI) comes down, citing every third child in the national capital is asthmatic. The court made this statement while assessing different aspects of enhancing Delhi’s greenery, including the process of deconcretizing trees to provide them with more breathing room, eliminating encroachments from the Southern Ridge area, and designating a new forest area for preservation.
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.