Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to “Very Poor” Category Amid Concerns

Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to "Very Poor" Category Amid Concerns

VoM News Desk | October 28, 2023 | 02:58 PM IST | Breaking News, Climate & Environment, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to “Very Poor” Category Amid Concerns

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to “Very Poor” Category Amid Concerns

Delhi, the capital of India, is facing a concerning deterioration in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the “very poor” category. Weather monitoring agencies have cited unfavorable meteorological conditions as a key factor contributing to this decline. As of 12 noon, the city’s average AQI was recorded at 301, a significant worsening from the previous day’s reading of 261, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The neighboring areas of Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Greater Noida also reported deteriorating air quality, with AQI values in the “poor” to “very poor” range.

The AQI is a critical indicator of air quality, with values between 301 and 400 classified as “very poor.” This alarming situation has been attributed to slow wind speeds at night and decreasing temperatures, as reported by the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi. Unfortunately, these adverse conditions are expected to persist until the end of the month.

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) often experience hazardous air quality during the winter months due to a combination of factors, including emissions from firecrackers, paddy straw burning, and local sources of pollution. A significant contributor to this issue is the annual practice of stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, peaking from November 1 to November 15.

Missing Data and Unexplained Lapses

However, what makes the current air quality crisis more concerning is the absence of crucial data that aids the government in formulating strategies to address the pollution problem. The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), responsible for providing data on the contribution of smoke from farm fires to Delhi’s air pollution, has stopped updating its portal. Officials associated with SAFAR are unaware of the reason behind this lapse. Additionally, the Decision Support System, which previously provided access to a numerical model-based framework for identifying sources of particulate matter pollution in Delhi, is no longer accessible to the general public.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Air Pollution

The Delhi government has taken several initiatives to combat air pollution, including a 15-point action plan that emphasizes addressing dust pollution, vehicular emissions, and open burning of garbage. Special drives to monitor and control dust, vehicular, and industrial pollution are currently underway in the city.

The government has also implemented a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers within Delhi, in line with previous years. To further discourage firecracker burning, a public awareness campaign titled ‘Patakhe Nahi Diye Jalao’ will be reintroduced.

In addition, the government has identified and prepared pollution mitigation plans for 13 pollution hotspots in the city. Recently, eight more pollution hotspots were identified, and special teams will be deployed to monitor and control pollution sources in these areas. The government also plans to use dust suppressant powder to prevent dust pollution, including chemical agents that attract and bind fine dust particles together, making them too heavy to become airborne.

Conclusion and Ongoing Concerns

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi raises significant concerns about the health and well-being of its residents. Unfavorable meteorological conditions, combined with various sources of pollution, require concerted efforts and stringent measures to address the issue and provide residents with cleaner and healthier air. The absence of critical data further emphasizes the need for effective monitoring and information sharing to combat air pollution effectively.

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VoM News Desk

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