Short Description
Delhi’s air quality shows signs of improvement, yet pollution levels remain concerning, with recent readings indicating a temporary decline from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ categories.
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4 minutes 30 seconds
Main Article
Delhi continues to grapple with its air quality issues, with the latest measurements revealing a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 234, categorized as ‘poor.’ This marks a notable improvement from the alarming AQI of 412 recorded just two days prior. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported this development on Thursday, signaling a temporary respite for Delhi’s residents, though the overall situation remains precarious. With forecasts hinting at a potential deterioration back to ‘very poor’ levels shortly, the struggle for clear skies persists.
Among the 40 air quality monitoring stations operating in the capital, 10 stations reported moderate air quality with AQI levels below 200. Notable locations like Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi, and Indira Gandhi International Airport showcased a slight reprieve. However, a significant majority of stations—27 in total—still recorded alarming ‘poor’ air quality levels. Crucially, two locations, Jahangirpuri and Bawana, reached even worse figures, crossing the threshold into the ‘very poor’ category with AQI levels exceeding 300.
Air pollution in Delhi has multiple contributors, but data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management highlights vehicular emissions as the largest culprit, accounting for 18.5% of the city’s pollution load on Wednesday. Following this, industrial emissions accounted for 9.5%, while construction activities and waste burning played smaller roles at 2.5% and 1.6%, respectively. Disturbingly, districts around the National Capital Region (NCR) also contribute significantly to the pollution. Jhajjar in Haryana emerged as the primary offender, contributing 17.6%, followed closely by Rohtak and Sonipat, which contributed 5.9% and 3.1%.
Despite the minor dip in pollution levels, experts caution that residents should remain vigilant as negative trends tend to resurface. Seasonal changes often exacerbate the pollution situation, and further industrial activities could undo recent progress. The CPCB’s classification system categorizes AQI readings, offering clarity: an AQI of 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, while 201-300 falls into the ‘poor’ zone and anything beyond that into the more severe categories.
Addressing air quality is not merely a local issue; it’s a national concern that demands urgent action across various sectors. Public awareness and proactive measures are vital to combat the ongoing air quality crisis threatening both health and environment in Delhi and beyond.
Short Summary
In summary, Delhi’s air quality has improved but remains in the ‘poor’ category. Pollution from vehicular emissions remains the primary concern, requiring urgent attention. With potential deterioration on the horizon, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and proactive.
