The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained critically poor on Thursday, with several areas approaching ‘severe’ levels as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region hit a concerning 362, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Multiple areas across the city recorded AQI levels that exceeded the 400-mark, which falls under the ‘severe’ category, indicating a hazardous environment for residents. Notable locations with dangerously high pollution levels included Anand Vihar (422), Jahangirpuri (431), and Wazirpur (428). Other areas like Ashok Vihar (416), Mundka (421), and Rohini (403) also reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ zone.
Even in other regions of Delhi, air quality was considered ‘very poor’, with AQI readings above 300. Alipur recorded an AQI of 387, Burari Crossing was at 377, and North Campus of Delhi University had an AQI of 372, all reflecting the alarming pollution levels.
Impact of Weather and Winds on Air Quality
Despite light winds reaching speeds of up to 8 kmph, which are typically expected to offer some relief, air quality showed minimal improvement across the capital. Areas beyond Delhi’s borders, such as Faridabad and Gurugram in Haryana, and Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida in Uttar Pradesh, also experienced poor air quality with AQI levels ranging from 252 to 313.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport had significantly reduced, dropping from 2,100 meters the previous night to just 1,800 meters, a direct result of the ongoing smog and pollution in the region.
Government Measures and Anti-Pollution Campaigns
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ramped up efforts to tackle pollution. These efforts include enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which outlines emergency measures based on AQI levels, such as penalties for polluting construction sites, industries, and vehicles. Road dust control measures are also underway, with approximately 600 mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns deployed across Delhi-NCR to curb dust emissions and reduce pollution.
As part of its long-term strategy to combat air pollution, the Delhi government launched a month-long anti-open burning campaign, which began on November 6. The initiative, aimed at curbing biomass burning during the winter months, will run until December 6. To enforce the campaign, Delhi will deploy 588 patrolling teams to inspect construction sites, prevent stubble burning, and raise awareness among farmers.
Additionally, the Delhi government has instructed departments, Resident Welfare Associations, and construction agencies to provide electric heaters to security guards at construction sites to reduce the need for open burning of biomass during the colder months.
Collaborative Action Urged
In a bid to tackle the crisis, the Delhi government has also called for intensified pollution control efforts from neighboring states, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, urging them to work collaboratively to reduce the overall pollution levels in the NCR. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the need for collective action from all stakeholders to effectively combat the menace of air pollution.
In line with this, the Delhi government recently expanded its Winter Action Plan, increasing the number of strategies from 14 to 21 points. This enhanced plan includes emergency measures such as drone monitoring of pollution sources, anti-dust campaigns, and additional road-sweeping machines.
A Winter of Unprecedented Pollution Levels
As the winter season sets in, Delhi and its surrounding areas are bracing for more pollution challenges. With the increasing use of stubble burning by farmers in nearby states, combined with construction dust and vehicular emissions, experts warn that the city could face one of its worst winters in terms of air pollution.
The government’s heightened focus on pollution control measures, combined with public awareness campaigns, is seen as crucial to mitigating the health risks associated with the hazardous air quality. However, experts continue to stress the importance of long-term, sustainable solutions, including transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reducing emissions from transportation, and tackling the root causes of stubble burning in neighboring states.
Until then, residents of Delhi-NCR are being advised to stay indoors as much as possible, wear masks when venturing outside, and take necessary precautions to protect their health as the city grapples with one of the most severe pollution episodes in recent memory.
Sources By Agencies
