Delhi’s air quality has been consistently categorized as ‘poor’ for the fifth day in a row, and it is expected to further deteriorate over the weekend due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, according to weather monitoring agencies. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) averaged at 261 over a 24-hour period, worsening from 256 on Thursday, 243 on Wednesday, and 220 on Tuesday. The neighboring areas also experienced poor air quality, with AQI readings of 227 in Ghaziabad, 235 in Faridabad, 224 in Gurugram, 220 in Noida, and 280 in Greater Noida.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good,’ 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101 to 200 as ‘moderate,’ 201 to 300 as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 500 as ‘severe.’
According to the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city’s air quality is expected to deteriorate to the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday due to slow wind speed and a drop in temperatures. Unfavorable meteorological conditions, combined with emissions from firecrackers, paddy straw burning, and local sources of pollution, contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winter.
Peak pollution in the capital occurs between November 1 and November 15 when incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are most prevalent. However, crucial data that could help the government develop strategies to combat air pollution is currently missing. The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, which provides information about the contribution of smoke from farm fires to Delhi’s air pollution, has stopped providing updates without any known reason.
Similarly, data from the Decision Support System, which helps identify sources of particulate matter pollution in Delhi, is no longer accessible to the public. This lack of information has hindered efforts to mitigate the air pollution problem.
Recently, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed concerns about the halting of the city government’s study on pollution sources, stating that it was done unilaterally and arbitrarily on the orders of DPCC Chairman Ashwani Kumar.
Despite these challenges, the Delhi government has launched a 15-point action plan to address air pollution during the winter season. Measures include addressing dust pollution, vehicular emissions, and open burning of garbage. Special drives to check dust, vehicular, and industrial pollution are already in progress. Additionally, a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers has been implemented, along with a public awareness campaign to discourage their burning.
The government has also developed pollution mitigation plans for 13 identified pollution hotspots in Delhi, with an additional eight hotspots recently identified. Special teams will be deployed to these areas to monitor pollution sources. Dust suppressant powder will also be used to prevent dust pollution, with chemicals such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lignosulfonates, and various polymers being considered.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, responsible for implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control pollution, has directed authorities in the NCR to increase parking fees, promote public transport, and enhance the services of CNG or electric buses and metro trains in anticipation of worsening pollution levels. This action is part of Stage II of GRAP, implemented when Delhi’s AQI is predicted to be ‘very poor.’
The government is committed to addressing the air pollution problem in Delhi and taking proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of its residents. The 15-point action plan and the implementation of GRAP aim to improve air quality and provide a healthier environment for the capital’s population.