It's not even November yet and Delhi NCR's AQI is already in the 'very unhealthy' category
In winter, the air doesn't move much, so pollution stays in the air. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)
Every year, as winter approaches, the residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) brace themselves for the same recurring nightmare: deteriorating air quality.
Like clockwork, the city's air quality plunges to hazardous levels, leaving citizens gasping for breath.
As October unfolds, the ongoing saga of poor air quality once again takes the center stage, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive action to tackle this persistent issue.
Latest reports
- According to AccuWeather's report, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) dropped to 207 on October 16.
- An AQI of 207 categorises the air as 'very unhealthy.'
| AQI | Quality |
|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good |
| 50-100 | Moderate |
| 100-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 150 - 200 | Unhealthy |
| 200-300 | Very Unhealthy |
| 300-500 | Hazardous |
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Noida recorded 200, Ghaziabad 174, and Greater Noida 260.
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The weather experts at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have suggested a potential increase in temperature due to a weather change from the west, which might bring light rain or thundershowers on October 16 and 17.
Why does it happen?
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Nearby farmers burning leftover crops contribute to the degradation of air quality.
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The high volume of cars and trucks in Delhi exacerbates air pollution.
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Emissions from factories and power plants in the region add to the air pollution.
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During winter, the stagnant air prevents the dispersion of pollutants, leading to their accumulation.
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Delhi's geographical location, surrounded by mountains, traps pollutants, worsening the air quality.
What is the government doing?
In response to the deteriorating air quality, authorities in Delhi-NCR have activated "Stage 1" of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution.
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In the initial stage, restrictions on coal usage in restaurants and eateries have been enforced.
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Measures to minimize dust at construction sites and effective waste management have been implemented.
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The subsequent stage involves increased parking fees and enhancements in public transportation.
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In the third stage, older vehicles will be restricted from entering certain areas, and most construction activities will be halted.
The final stage entails a complete cessation of construction work, with the possibility of schools resorting to online classes.
Thirteen identified hotspots including Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, RK Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Mayapuri, and Dwarka have been recognised based on the annual average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in these areas.
The government is also focusing on improving the air quality in the identified hotspots.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), responsible for proactively implementing GRAP, has expressed grave concerns about the rapid deterioration of air quality parameters in the region.