Delhi, NCR air pollution latest update: Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the ‘critical’ category as per the SAFAR
New Delhi: Delhi has turned into a gas chamber, and the air quality has deteriorated to a ‘critical’ level, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 471, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India. Notably, pollution levels in the national capital have remained in the critical category for the past few days, with the overall AQI hovering in the ‘400’ range.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the national capital’s air quality index has increased by 200 points since October 27. Remarkably, the most severe air quality was documented on November 3, surpassing the previous high of 471 recorded on November 12, 2021. The situation has gradually improved due to relatively better wind speeds.
The most severe air quality was registered on November 3, surpassing the previous high of 471 recorded on November 12, 2021. Subsequently, there has been an improvement attributed to relatively better wind speeds. Nevertheless, a dense toxic haze continues to envelop the national capital for the sixth consecutive day. Stay tuned for live air pollution updates in Delhi and the NCR.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has penned a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging the allowance of only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles in Delhi-NCR. This request is in response to the deteriorating air quality leading up to Diwali and concerns of further worsening conditions.
Delhi Pollution: Area-Wise AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings were as follows: 478 in Bawana, 461 in Dwarka Sector 8, 401 in ITO, 475 in Jahangirpuri, 466 in Mundka, 460 in Narela, 446 in New Moti Bagh, 447 in Okhla Phase-2, 469 in Punjabi Bagh, 464 in RK Puram, 478 in Rohini, 433 in Siri Fort, and 482 in Wazirpur, among other locations.
Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the ‘Severe’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
AQI in RK Puram at 466, in ITO at 402, in Patparganj at 471 and in New Moti Bagh at 488 pic.twitter.com/oBrbdeLqdp
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023
Delhi Pollution: School Shut, Work From Home
With the air quality worsening further in the Delhi-NCR, schools in Delhi have been shut till November 10 and employees at the government and private schools have been asked to work from home. Delhi Education Minister Atishi said the primary schools will remain closed till November 10. She further informed that classes 6-12 may switch to online classes. Amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, directives have been issued for 50 percent of government and private office staff to work from home.
Delhi Pollution: Ban on Construction Work
As an air quality crisis grips the Delhi-NCR region, the Central Government has enacted a ban on construction activities associated with linear public projects and the entry of polluting trucks and commercial four-wheelers into the capital. The measures include the final stage which is Stage IV, of the air pollution control plan.
Noida Air Pollution: Action Against Old Vehicles
Noida Traffic Police is conducting a special drive to nab and fine old vehicles that are polluting the air. Cops are mainly targeting older diesel vehicles that are more than 10 years old and petrol cars that are more than 15 years old. If vehicles don’t have the right pollution and fitness certificates, they’re getting fined, and the police have already seized 175 such vehicles.
Delhi pollution: AQI In Major Areas
According to CPBC, Delhi’s Anand Vihar area reported 448 AQI, Ashok Vihar AQI 390, Dwarka-Sector 8 424, IGI Airport 413, ITO 372 AQI, and Lodhi Road has 358 AQI.
Every Third Child in Delhi Asthmatic
The Delhi High Court has expressed its concern over the deteriorating air pollution and stated that it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that the air quality index (AQI) comes down, citing every third child in the national capital is asthmatic. The court made this statement while assessing different aspects of enhancing Delhi’s greenery, including the process of deconcretizing trees to provide them with more breathing room, eliminating encroachments from the Southern Ridge area, and designating a new forest area for preservation.
Delhi Air Pollution: Weather Condition, Stubble Burning Primary Reasons
Adverse meteorological conditions, along with emissions from firecrackers, stubble burning, and local sources of pollution, combine to push the air quality in Delhi-NCR to hazardous levels during the winter season. According to the news agency ANI, there have been over 2,500 reported cases of stubble burning this year.