The air quality in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category on Saturday, marking the ninth consecutive day of hazardous smog levels following Diwali. According to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 358 at 9 am, indicating a “very poor” level of pollution. This comes amidst a thick blanket of smog engulfing areas like Kartavya Path and other parts of the city.
High AQI Readings Across Delhi
Several areas in Delhi reported alarming AQI levels, with Bawana at a severe 409, followed by Alipur at 387, Anand Vihar at 393, Dwarka Sector 8 at 362, and IGI Airport at 344. Other notable areas such as ITO (359), Mundka (377), Najafgarh (379), and New Moti Bagh (411) also saw high AQI levels, with many classified in the “very poor” to “severe” categories.
Drone-Based Mist Spraying Trials Begin at Anand Vihar
To combat the worsening air pollution, the Delhi government launched a pilot project for drone-based mist spraying at Anand Vihar, one of the city’s pollution hotspots. The drones, capable of carrying 15 liters of water, release a fine mist to help mitigate the impact of pollutants, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Delhi’s environment minister Gopal Rai stated that the effectiveness of this technology would be assessed before further implementation.
This initiative is part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan, which includes 21 measures aimed at reducing pollution. Other efforts include deploying 200 mobile anti-smog guns across the city, as well as 146 guns atop high-rise buildings, to control dust levels. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been tasked with increasing inspections at construction sites to ensure adherence to anti-pollution guidelines.
Health Concerns Amid Rising Pollution Levels
Locals are reporting significant health issues, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Many are experiencing difficulty in breathing, persistent coughing, and headaches due to the elevated AQI levels. Health experts, including Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairman of Respiratory Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, have linked the surge in AQI levels to an increase in respiratory problems, with many patients suffering from breathlessness and sleepless nights due to coughing.
Residents and experts alike are urging individuals to take measures to reduce exposure to the hazardous air, which includes limiting outdoor activities, wearing masks, and using air purifiers. Local authorities are also focusing on stubble burning, vehicular pollution, and the impact of firecrackers as major contributors to the current pollution crisis.
Conclusion
As Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, the introduction of drone-based mist spraying and other mitigation efforts signal a move toward modern, technology-driven solutions. However, experts warn that collective action, both from authorities and citizens, is crucial to address the root causes of the city’s deteriorating air quality.
Sources By Agencies
