Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Very Poor and Severe’ Categories Amid Adverse Weather

Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor and Severe' Categories Amid Adverse Weather

VoM News Desk | November 16, 2023 | 11:08 AM IST | Climate & Environment, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Very Poor and Severe’ Categories Amid Adverse Weather

Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Very Poor and Severe’ Categories Amid Adverse Weather

Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, fluctuating between “very poor” and “severe,” is largely attributed to vehicular emissions. A joint study by the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur reveals that these emissions constituted about 38% of the capital’s air pollution on Wednesday, with projections indicating a rise to 40% on Thursday. The city’s reliance on vehicles continues to be a significant factor in its ongoing struggle with air quality.

Secondary Inorganic Aerosols Exacerbate the Situation

Secondary inorganic aerosols, primarily formed from gases and particulates from power plants, refineries, and vehicles, are the second major contributor, accounting for 30 to 35% of the city’s air pollution in recent days. These aerosols, including sulfate and nitrate particles, compound the city’s air pollution woes, particularly in the current unfavourable meteorological conditions.

No Immediate Relief in Sight

Delhi’s current weather conditions, characterized by calm winds and low temperatures, are conducive to the accumulation of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) official indicated that relief is unlikely in the coming days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reflects this grim reality, with figures consistently hovering in the “very poor” to “severe” range over the past week.

Stubble Burning and Government Measures

Despite efforts by the state government, including bans on construction work and entry of diesel trucks, air quality continues to deteriorate. Stubble burning remains a significant contributor, with the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology reporting its contribution to Delhi’s pollution at 23% on Wednesday, though this is expected to reduce to 4% by Friday. The ongoing implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) underscores the seriousness of the situation.

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VoM News Desk

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