Delhi’s air quality drops to ‘severe’ category; Smoke engulfs the nation’s capital
Delhi’s air quality fell to the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 recorded at around 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Thick fog was seen in places like Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple, as the city’s air quality continued to deteriorate.
Smoke again enveloped the Ghazipur area, making visibility even worse. The CPCB has described the city’s air as ‘very poor,’ warning of potential health impacts for residents, especially those with respiratory conditions. Pollution levels are expected to remain high if the weather remains poor.
Saif, a visitor to Kartavya Path, said, “Everyone is facing difficulty in breathing during these months, especially in October, November, and December. The government is taking proper measures to prevent pollution. The situation in Delhi is that if proper measures are not taken in time, it can cause many problems in the future.” Earlier on Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of Grade Response Program (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR after the overall AQI fell in the ‘very poor’ category. Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 310, according to CPCB’s daily AQI report.
“According to the dynamic model and weather/climate and air quality forecasts provided by IMD/IITM, there is a high probability that Delhi’s daily average AQI will remain in the ‘worst’ category (AQI 301-400) in the future. days due to bad weather and climate,” according to a report by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change.
The CAQM Sub-Committee decided that all actions under Phase II of the GRAP for ‘severely serious’ air quality should be implemented by the concerned agencies in the NCR. This is done to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
With Phase II of the GRAP now in effect, an 11-point action plan is being implemented across the NCR. The program includes mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of identified roads, intensified inspection of construction and demolition sites, and proper disposal of collected dust at designated areas.
CAQM urged citizens to use public transport, reduce the use of private cars, and regularly change the air filters in their cars. Citizens are also advised to avoid activities that generate dust and the burning of solid waste and biomass. Delhi’s AQI on Monday hovered around 300 throughout the day and was recorded at 310 at 4:00 pm, according to CAQM data.
